recommended by Caryn G., Sacred Piano Music Specialist
What a Beautiful Name: Blended Arrangements of Cherished Hymns and Contemporary Songs arr. Mary McDonald Mary McDonald’s love of both traditional and contemporary musical styles shines through in this innovative collection. Each arrangement pairs a cherished hymn with a modern worship song, creating unique “mash-ups.” Filled with countless moments of joy and beauty, these settings can be used as preludes, offertories, postludes, or as musical meditations during personal worship at home.
Titles include: “What a Beautiful Name/He Keeps Me Singing,” “The Lord Almighty Reigns/Jesus Shall Reign,” “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)/I Surrender All,” “O Praise the Name (Anastasis)/All Hail the Power,” “Hymn of Heaven/When We All Get to Heaven,” “Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God/Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart,” “Crown Him King of Kings/Rejoice, the Lord Is King,” “I Set My Hope on Jesus (Hymn for a Deconstructing Friend)/The Solid Rock,” and “Goodness of God/God Is So Good.”
About the Author: Caryn G. is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran College (Washington state). She has over 24 years of experience working at Stanton’s in both the Piano and Choral departments, specializing in sacred piano music. She is a church pianist/accompanist and has enjoyed being a piano teacher and singing in many choirs over the years. When not working at Stanton’s or at church, she loves spending time with family members and friends, traveling and exploring, watching movies, reading, bike riding and most recently trying to better her culinary knowledge and be a little more artsy by painting rocks and water coloring.
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
Welcome Home (A Gospel Hymn Medley) arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional rhythm This spirited medley of gospel favorites by Mary McDonald is sure to uplift both choir and congregation. Bookended with an original song, Mary weaves together “Sweet By and By,” “When We All Get to Heaven,” and “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks.” Perfect for general worship or homecoming services, this anthem is a joy to sing.
O Praise Him, Alleluia! arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional orchestra An awe-inspiring musical statement, Mary McDonald’s arrangement of “All Creatures of Our God and King” blends choir, congregation, and an optional orchestration to create a majestic offering of praise to the Creator. The full choral sonorities and sweeping accompaniment are sure to fill your sanctuary with glorious music.
More Love to Thee arr. Sean Paul, SATB with piano This classic hymn, deeply rooted in commitment and grace, has been reimagined to bring a fresh wave of inspiration to your congregation. Each verse builds naturally in both emotional depth and musical complexity, building to a powerful statement of devotion before concluding in a hushed, intimate prayer.
Do Not Pass Me By by Reginal Wright, SATB with piano Dedicated to those who serve the homeless and underserved in their communities, Reginald Wright’s setting of the familiar Fanny Crosby “Pass me not, O gentle Savior” text takes on new layers of meaning. Each stanza presents its humble prayer while each refrain prolongs the plea, “Savior, hear my humble cry; do not pass me by.”
To Jesus I Surrender All arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano This heartfelt arrangement of invitational hymns is a moving meditation on the mercy and grace of our heavenly Father. Lloyd Larson weaves together three classic melodies, enriching them with beautiful harmonies and choral writing that is both captivating and accessible. Songs include “I Surrender All,” “Jesus Paid It All,” and “Just As I Am.”
He Shall Feed His Flock by John Ness Beck, SATB with piano Tender and sincere are the two words which characterize John Ness Beck’s setting of these beloved verses from Isaiah 40 and Psalm 23. This is an obvious choice for Good Shepherd Sunday, but the theme of God’s care is applicable throughout the entire liturgical year.
About the Author: Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 20 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church, and sings in the First Church Choir and rings with the First Church Ringers at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio. When not singing or ringing, Jennifer can be found doing conformation and other competitive sports with her standard long haired dachshunds.
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
Because You Sang by Arianne Abela, SATB divisi a cappella The music to carries a hymn-like quality, with a melody that is both easy to recognize and evocative of a protest march. The first verse begins with a solitary voice, gradually joined by an increasing forces.
Aura Lee arr. Bryan Sharpe, SA(T)B with piano Flexibly set for either SAB or SATB developing choirs, this tender arrangement of the beloved American folk song has a gently flowing piano part that undergirds the harmonic structure throughout. Conservative ranges and sensitive part writing allow all singers to experience success, and the flexibility of the setting allows for smaller choirs with fewer tenors or basses to perform this beautifully.
Show Me the Way by Paul David Thomas, SATB with piano and optional flute & tenor drum All voice parts have a chance to shine as the request to “show me the way” is passed among the choir, repeated, and transformed through a variety of imitative techniques and textures. Wilcox’s lines suggest that life’s journey is full of challenges and uncertainties, but through love, patience, and a commitment to good deeds, one can find purpose and fulfillment. This hopeful perspective is expressed musically through the driving compound meter rhythms provided by the piano (and optional drum and flute) and the use of accessible chromatic pitches in the vocal lines.
Ahlan Wa Sahlan (Welcome) by Kyle Pederson, SATB with piano and drum, optional guitar/oud, clarinet or violin A perfect high-energy opener for mixed choirs of all levels! A lovely Arabic phrase, “Ahlan Wa Sahlan (Welcome),” greets the audience and sets the tone for all to feel included, welcomed, and energized. Born from a collaboration with a Middle East (Omani) high school choral festival, this piece features a rockin’ piano and drum part (along with optional guitar, clarinet, or violin), solo possibilities, and infectious pop harmonies and rhythms. Awesome!
Fly Away (from A Minor Bird) by Bruce W. Tippette, SATB with piano Presenting a simple conflict between humanity and nature, Robert Frost’s poem, A Minor Bird, is musically set in 6/8 meter. With an agitated piano accompaniment under sweeping vocal lines, the composition mimics the person’s frustration and the fluttering of a bird’s wings as it is shooed away. There is a change of heart in the final lyric of “who would want to silence any song?” creating an engaging work for discussion, learning and performance.
Seasons by Ola Gjeilo, SATB with piano and optional flute This work by Ola Gjeilo and Charles Anthony Silvestri explores the beauties of each of the four seasons. With a supportive piano part and optional flute part that soars above.
Lovely Chance by Jacob Narverud, SATB with piano and optional hand drum A driving echoed verse bursts into a dancelike, mixed-meter refrain, brilliantly capturing the nature of Sara Teasdale’s vivid poetry. Narverud’s contrasting B section takes a more contemplative approach, gradually growing to a recapitulation of the spirited main chorus. Accompanied by a vibrant piano and an optional hand drum.
Love Will Remain by Mark Burrows, SATB with piano Mark Burrows’ sensitively crafted choral work brings a deeper level of understanding to a poignant original text, offering an opportunity for profound emotional connection through music. With expressive harmonies, thoughtful vocal scoring, and a gentle unfolding of musical ideas, this piece invites choirs to engage with the text, creating a powerful shared experience between singers and the audience. Ideal for reflective moments in concert or festival settings, “Love Will Remain” is a journey of empathy, expression, and heartfelt artistry.
Run from the Silence by Roger Emerson, SATB with piano This song of reflection was inspired by the stop motion film, “Gruff.” In the words of the movie director, Julian Curi, “I believe we all have individuals in our lives, related or not, that pride themselves as the ‘strong silent types.’ Through this short film, I hope all of us can learn to empathize, connect, and more deeply love those who have so much more to say than we think, and just need us to listen.”
Alleluia by Jake Runestad, SATB divisi a cappella Through history, the singing of “alleluia” has served as an outward celebration as well as an introspective expression of praise. The work begins with a rhythmic declaration of joy and builds intensity through metric changes, tonal shifts, glissandi, and hand clapping. This lively exultation soon gives way to a reverent meditation with soaring melodic lines and lush harmonies. The dancing rhythms from the beginning return with a gradual build in intensity as one’s praises rise to the sky.
Wind of Night by Chris Maunu, SATB with piano Your choir will transform any performance space into the sonic landscape of a windy night with Chris Maunu’s dynamic composition. Filled with driving rhythmic energy, unrelenting accompaniment, and even wind-like sounds created by the choir itself, “Wind of Night” brings the tempestuousness to life. With ample unison sections and accessible vocal ranges, this striking work is both rewarding and achievable for choirs of all levels.
O Nata Lux by Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano Victor C. Johnson’s radiant realization of the traditional Latin “light born of light” text is equally fitting for the concert hall, stage, or sanctuary. With plenty of room for expressive singing, this luminous setting gives every voice part a time to shine as it develops the glimmering opening motive into a stunning soundscape.
Laudate! by Christopher Alexander, SSAATTBB a cappella “Laudate!” is a celebratory work of excitement and praise. After its boisterous opening, the energy of the song takes off with differing motifs and rhythmic figures in each voice before the chorus unites in large, harmonic textures. The anticipation builds again before returning to the polyphonic section from before. The work slightly slows down, while maintaining its energetic spirit, creating polychordal harmonies. The uptempo energy comes back once more and builds through the key change and rollicking finale (similar to the beginning). Each voice section gets featured in this work, and would be a great opener at your next concert. This work is suitable for advanced high school, collegiate, and community choruses.
About the Author: 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.
5 Easy Fanfares by Tim Waters, Grade 3 These five epic fanfares are the perfect way to open a field show or give the fans a spark in the stands at your next sporting event!
Pep Grooves 2025 by Alan Keown, Grade 3 These four short drumline grooves are perfect to get the crowd rocking in between plays! A must have for the stands!
6 Stand Cheers for Developing Bands, Volume 3 by Tim Waters Young bands will really dig this extremely playable pack of six different short stands tunes. The perfect combination of limited ranges and rhythms that still rock hard and give your band a chance to fire up the crowd and cheer for their favorite team!
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!
Earth Symphony by Jake Runestad “Earth Symphony,” the EMMY® award-winning, ground-breaking choral symphony from composer Jake Runestad and librettist Todd Boss, is a 5-part dramatic monologue from the voice of a post-anthropocene Mother Earth. The work imagines Earth’s hope for humanity, her discovery of its power, her ruination at its hands, her lament at its loss, and her recovery. By anthropomorphizing Earth herself, drawing on the familiar earth-mother trope,
“Earth Symphony” enables entry into our own ecological shame, guilt, responsibility, potential, and redemption, all from a wide-angled, time-telescoped lens, thereby asking our most immediately pressing environmental questions in an entirely new way.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ arr. Dallas C. Burke, Grade 3 This early jazz standard from the great Fats Waller makes a great vehicle for marching bands. With just the right mixture of laid back swing and driving hits from the band, this arrangement makes an exciting production number your students will love!
Can’t We Be Friends arr. Dallas C. Burke, Grade 3 This swingin’ jazz standard was a big hit for Frank Sinatra and Linda Ronstadt. This driving and dynamic arrangement swings hard from start to finish and makes a great production number in any jazz field show.
It Had to Be You arr. Dave Henning, Grade 3 This epic treatment of the early swing standard has it all. From the cinematic intro this chart moves into a laid back swing before blowing down the house and swinging hard to finish out the tune!
Puttin’ on the Ritz arr. Allen Gray, Grade 3 One of the all time great jazz standards, this chart makes a dynamic statement for marching band. With its infectious drum and low brass groove at the top to it’s down and dirty finish, this chart is a hit! Make some big noise with this swinger!
When You’re Smiling arr. Dave Henning, Grade 3 This swing tune has been covered by all the greats including Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong (just to name a few). With its laid back swing that builds into an epic blow, this tune makes a memorable closer for any show!
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!
The Holy Presence arr. Jan Linker & Jane McFadden Janet Linker and Jane McFadden have arranged four piano and organ duets for wedding and general use. Titles include: “Be Thou My Vision,” “The Holy Presence,” “Pachelbel’s Canon in D,” and “Prelude on HYFRYDOL.”
Holy Holy Holy arr. Mark Hayes & Marvin Gaspard Nine songs arranged for piano and organ duet, including: “Fairest Lord Jesus,” “Holy Holy Holy,” “In the Garden,” “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded,” and more.
Festive Hymn Settings for Piano & Organ arr. Joel Raney Here are 15 duets for piano and organ for a variety of occasions throughout the church year. There are selections for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and general occasions. These settings are derived from Joel’s popular series of Worship Openers. While the Worship Openers are extended works that include optional handbells, choir, and sometimes brass, these arrangements have been condensed and modified in order to make them more accessible for busy church musicians who are looking for exciting preludes, offertories, and special music. Titles include: “All Hail the Power,” “To God Be the Glory,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “The Gift of Love,” “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” “Lift High the Cross,” “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” “Lord of the Dance,” “O God, Our Help In Ages Past,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World!,” “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” “O Worship the King,” and “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory.”
Symphony of Praise: Festive Duets for Organ and Piano arr. Mary McDonald & Lloyd Larson Two of the most recognized names in church music have teamed up to create this inimitable collection of hymn arrangements. In “Symphony of Praise,” Lloyd Larson and Mary McDonald harness the unique power and colors of the organ, and match them with the dynamic nuance and percussive presence of the piano. These magnificent pieces will delight congregations throughout the year! Titles include: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” “Christmas Gloria,” “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” “Hymns of Grateful Praise,” “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” and “Tidings of Joy!”
Holy Manna: American Shape Note Hymns for Organ and Piano arr. John S. Dixon Having withstood the test of time, the early American hymns of our musical heritage have great intrinsic merit. John Dixon arranged six of these classic shape note hymns in his accessible style for organ & piano duet. All of these pieces make excellent preludes, offertories, or postludes for worship, and suites of multiple pieces can be easily assembled for a recital. Titles include: “Beach Spring,” “What Wondrous Love Is This,” “Holy Manna,” “Simple Gifts,” “How Can I Keep from Singing?,” and “Morning Song.”
Three Preludes on American Hymntunes arr. Charles Callahan This collection of duets includes arrangements of the tunes “He Leadeth Me,” “Resignation,” and “Pleading Savior.” Each piece is the appropriate length to be used as a prelude or offertory.
SACRED CHORAL READING SESSION Saturday August 9, 2025 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Church of the Messiah, 51 N. State Street, Westerville OH 43081 Presented by Mary McDonald $25.00
Stanton’s is pleased to welcome back Mary McDonald as our clinician for the August Sacred Choral Music reading session. With a career that spans over forty years, her songs appear in the catalogs of every major publisher of church music. More than 1200 compositions through anthems, seasonal musicals and keyboard collections testify to her significant contribution to church music. Her greatest desire is “to give God glory for the songs He has allowed me to compose. He alone, is the true Creator behind my pen.”
In 2011, after serving as sacred music editor for The Lorenz Corporation in Dayton, Ohio for more than twenty years, Mary answered a new call. Now she takes her tremendous passion and love for music making directly to churches as an independent artist. Since then, she has been in constant demand in churches across the nation for composer weekends as well as served as host for many of the top choral music dealer conferences in the United States and Canada.
Your registration for the clinic includes a packet of over 30 new choral anthems that are hand-picked from the hundreds published each year. Please note that there is no pre-registration for this session – all registration will take place on-site beginning at 8:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you on August 10th for a wonderful morning of singing with one of the nation’s most sought after church music experts.
SACRED PIANO READING SESSION Saturday August 9, 2025 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Stanton’s Sheet Music, 330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215 Presented by Mary McDonald $5.00
Join us at Stanton’s Sheet Music for an afternoon of listening to new selections of sacred piano music that will be enjoyable to play in church or at home. Our clinician this year is Mary McDonald.
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
The Grand Bazaar by Erica Donahoe, Grade 2.5 This twirling Tarantella transports us right to a busy market where beautiful goods, colorful spices, and happy people dance about in joy. A perfect way to start or end a concert, “The Grand Bazaar” is a winner!
Frostbite by Erica Donahoe, Grade 2.5 “Frostbite” by Erica Donahoe captures the icy blasts and chilling wind of a winter storm. This piece uses driving rhythms and repeated sixteenth-note passages to amplify the intensity of the melody. The opening theme returns at the end of the piece in a fugue-like setting that is sure to challenge your students and bring the piece to an exciting finish!
A Wicked Waltz by Erica Donahoe, Grade 3 There is something about this waltz that is just…wicked! From the onset, the tempo and rhythmic pulse will keep musicians and audiences stuck to their seats. Lots of style and technique to hone in this great new work for the advancing string musician.
Across the Plains by Erica Donahoe, Grade 2.5 Feel the wind sweeping across the land beneath a wide open sky. This uplifting theme in G major captures the spirit of adventure as players journey through a melodic and harmonic landscape. Light staccato accompaniments dot the fields like wildflowers as the syncopated melody rises from distant majestic mountains, leading to an exhilarating key change to D major. Take wing and soar with this joyful concert selection.
Dark Magic by Erica Donahoe, Grade 1 “Dark Magic” is the perfect piece for a spooky fall concert. With simple rhythms and finger patterns, your beginning players can feel confident and sound great on this piece. Encourage your students to pay attention to the articulations such as the accents and staccatos to really bring the magic to life!
Winter Winds Waltz by Erica Donahoe, Grade 2.5 Chilly winds, frozen branches and icy streets – this waltz conjures up all the frosty images of winter! Inspired by the Shostakovich Waltz No. 2, students will love the quick tempo and minor key of this piece. Directors will love contrasting legato melodies and spiccato figures, offering valuable lessons to help the orchestra develop a mature and balanced sound.
About the Author: 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!
