News & Views Saturday, January 04, 2025

recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists

Teaching Music in a New Age: Our Time Is Now! by Milton Allen
A post-pandemic teaching environment, a new generation of students, stress, depression, anxiety and fear, and a world of pressures and still we’re supposed to teach and make beautiful music. But in all the discussion, programs, and plans, what happened to those who stand in front of the students: US? And does music even matter? It does. Most importantly, so do YOU. Through a combination of stories, parables, and research, Dr. Milt Allen weaves a Zen-like tapestry that covers a broad range of subjects, yet all coming back to those who stand in front. Whether you need to rethink, renew, recover, or rediscover, there’s sure to be something for you in this incredible journey into what really matters.

Topics include:
• Dealing with fear and anxiety
• How little things can pull the rug out from under big things
• Understanding generational demographics for better teaching
• Brain development, adolescence, music, and your students
• Getting rid of “excellence”
• Performance-based philosophies versus participatory ones
• Taking chances
• Being selfish and self-preservation
• Graduate study
• Persistence
• Handling challenges
• Plus mountains, bicycles, stuffed bears, cancer, Jeff Coffin, ANTs, hamster tales, and more

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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.

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Argonautica by Vince Gassi, Grade 1.5
Drawing inspiration from the epic quest of Jason and the Argonauts, this work transports you to an ancient epoch with seafaring themes, energetic rhythms, and bold harmonies.

The Count of Monte Cristo by C.J. Kemp, Grade 3.5
This tone poem is based on the popular novel by Alexandre Dumas. “The Count of Monte Cristo” is a cool headed and charismatic billionaire out for revenge. Mysterious muted brass chords tinged with percussion serve as a prelude to the Count’s swaggering bongo-infused theme.

Giant Slayer by Christina Huss, Grade 1
Christina Huss has very shortly proven that she knows how to get young musicians excited to play! “Giant Slayer” has everything you need for a successful first outing, and as a band director that is the peak of value! A fun tune with lots of excitement, wrapping in an accessible one-octave range makes “Giant Slayer” a must-have for your program this season!

Legend of the Honjo by Christina Huss, Grade 3
This moving new work from Christina Huss is a thought-provoking experience for the developing musician. A beautifully lyrical work with a heart-stopping climax makes this a sure-fire hit on any concert program.

Under the Ice by Tyler S. Grant, Grade 2
What lurking beneath the frozen surface!? Only one way to find out. This work is a thrilling programmatic adventure of monster & myth! Beginning with a mysterious introduction to the timid tundra, the music depicts shadows beneath the ice surface. The audience will feel the ice break beneath their feet, followed by an adrenaline-filled chase scene to outrun the monster’s attack. Programmatic writing at its finest!

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.

Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!