The Best Things In Life Are Free: New Pop A Cappella Monday, December 16, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
The Best Things in Life Are Free arr. Michele Weir, SATB a cappella
Real-deal vocal jazz writing for serious a cappella singers. This enduring standard has been performed by the likes of Sam Cooke and Bing Crosby and plays a pivotal role in the HBO series “White Lotus.” Michele Weir’s reflective setting is full of heart and employs a variety of textures, expressive rubato, and a newly composed contrapuntal interlude that leads to a sentimental solo.
Celebration arr. Kate Crellin, SATB a cappella
Here’s the contemporary a cappella arrangement you’ve been waiting for! Carefully constructed to be ensemble-driven, every voice part gets a chance to sing the melody without the need for soloists. Notated vocal percussion, a variety of textures, and an exciting choral stack make this updated version of the classic party song a sure-fire hit!
Music for a Sushi Restaurant arr. Deke Sharon, SATB a cappella
From Harry Style’s album “Harry’s House,” comes this funky and jazzy novelty. Your a cappella groups are sure to have fun with this eclectic concert option!
Always arr. Blake R. Mitchell, SATB a cappella
This timeless Irving Berlin hit is given new life in this nostalgic, heartfelt arrangement for a cappella mixed voices. With sentimental unisons, rich, jazz-influenced divisi harmonies, and featured treble solo, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any concert program.
Can’t Help Falling in Love arr. Kirby Shaw, SATB a cappella
Recorded by Elvis Presley and many other artists, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is listed as one of the “greatest songs of all-time” by Rolling Stone. This lush arrangement highlights the message of love with its free and dreamy mood from start to finish.
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) arr. Philip Lawson, SATB a cappella
The King’s Singers exquisite arrangement is now available in a SATB edition. The sweet and simple lullabye by Billy Joel, from his “River of Dreams” album, is stunning.
You Belong with Me arr. Bryan Sharpe, SSA a cappella
A Taylor Swift hit in three voicings! Bryan’s contemporary a cappella arrangement bubbles with youthful charm. There’s no divisi, but a full palette of choral colors is on display. A featured soloist is accompanied in a variety of ways by the other voices as they imitate instruments of a pop band. It’s a blast from start to finish.
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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.