Here Comes the Sun: New Creative Programming Choices for Treble Choir Friday, November 22, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Here Comes the Sun arr. Matt & Adam Podd, 2-part (opt. 3-part) treble with piano
A fresh, artistic take is given to this Beatles hit, now available as an accessible arrangement for younger choirs. A reimagined harmonic structure makes way for text painting and a cinematic feeling that never loses the sunny and hopeful appeal of this iconic tune.
Rain, Rain! by Daniel Brinsmead, SSAA a cappella
This energetic four-part treble piece will add excitement and contrast to any program. With an original “rainy day” text by Australian composer Daniel Brinsmead, this piece is challenging to learn but great fun to perform. Sound effects, body percussion, and varied rhythmic articulations will keep your singers on their toes while enchanting the audience. Unique!
Ave Maria in Memoriam by Francisco Ibañez Irribarría, 2-part with piano
This beautiful and inspiring setting of the Ave Maria text was written in memory of Ibañez Irribarría’s colleague, José Rada, who died of AIDS in 1990. Rada studied music at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid, graduating with a degree in organ in 1968. Continuing his studies in Hamburg, Germany, he returned to Spain in 1983. He was organist and professor at the Jesús Guridi Conservatorio de Música in Vitoria-Gasteiz, and co-founded the early music group Capilla Peñaflorida in 1985. Rada became well-known for his musicological scholarship surrounding Spanish and specifically Basque music of the 17th and 18th-centuries.
Little Fishes, Don’t Cry! (from Five Sea Songs) by Daniel Brinsmead, SSA with piano
This tremendous piece steers a dramatic course away from the well-known lullaby in Australia. Using a jaunty sea-shanty style and new added text, choirs are encouraged to have fun with the storytelling and to create a lively atmosphere in performance.
Miserere by Eva Ugalde, SSA divisi a cappella
This sophisticated work for treble choirs by Spanish composer Eva Ugalde captures the feeling of a desperate need for mercy in our lives. A very singable work that sounds rich and dynamic in performance.
Apple Tree arr. Katerina Gimon, SSAA a cappella with percussion
This song is about the potential hidden in all of us. We can all save the world if we put our minds to it. The lyrics are the thoughts and dreams of young people, and young people will resonate with both the text and the music. This creative and form-breaking arrangement is by Canadian composer/arranger Katerina Gimon, and was premiered by the Vancouver Youth Choir at the World Music Symposium in Istanbul in 2023.
Home on the Range arr. Ben Kendall, SSA with piano
Kendall’s lovely and rhythmically interesting arrangement of Americana is highly suitable for treble choirs of all abilities. A pulsating accompaniment adds forward motion to this sparkling homophonic setting.
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.