ARISE, MY LOVE and More for Choral Festival and Adjudication 06 January, 2025
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
for MIXED CHOIRS
Arise, My Love by Stephen Dombek, SATB divisi a cappella
“Arise my love, my fair one, and come away!” A great way to sing in the spring season, and an ideal contest piece for high school concert choirs, select ensembles, and college/university choirs. SATB divisi, a cappella, with a flowing melody that is passed from section to section throughout.
Omnes gentes, plaudite manibus by Tine Bec, SATB a cappella
Experience the brilliance of Slovenian composer Tine Bec’s “Omnes gentes, plaudite manibus,” an exceptional choice for your high school or festival chorus. This masterfully crafted piece revitalizes ancient text with distinctive harmonic progressions, rhythmic claps, stomps, and a captivating finale, making it an ideal concert opener. Your students will adore learning and performing this piece, designed to be highly accessible and engaging, ensuring a memorable musical journey.
Plaudite (Plaudite Omnis Terra) by Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Victor Johnson delivers the ultimate festival opener with this joyful mixed-meter selection meaning “clap your hands, all the earth.” A strong minor-key motive, harmonized in sturdy open fifths, is punctuated by rhythmic handclaps. A contrasting section quiets the middle before a brief accelerando builds back to the triumphant return of opening material. Prominent dynamics and captivating rhythms create excitement.
The Starry Night by Ruth Morris Gray, SATB with piano
“The Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh is the composer’s inspiration for this choral, which is filled imagery from the painting. The text is created from a quote by Van Gogh, “For my part, I know nothing with any certainly, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” The composer has included discussion points about the painting and choral that can be used in rehearsal or classroom. Incredible teaching opportunities abound!
for TREBLE CHOIRS
Ave Maris Stella by Eva Ugalde, SSAA a cappella
While the Ave Maris Stella text has been set for choirs in many ways, Eva Ugalde’s unique compositional voice shines through here. Highly melodic, lovely part-writing, and a joyful spirit come through in this setting. A fantastic and energetic selection for treble choirs.
Alleluia by Bryan Sharpe, SSAA a cappella
The ancient joy-filled word ‘Alleluia’ is paired with contemporary harmony and gently syncopated rhythms. Independent parts weave in and out to create a brilliant musical tapestry, and subtle variations of dynamics and tempi add to the overall fabric. For Christmas or general use, concert or contest, this work will admirably showcase the abilities of mature ensembles.
Arirang (Mother of Mine) by Byunghee Oh, SSA with piano
This Korean homage to mothers is both captivating and poignant. SSA, with a flowing piano accompaniment that supports the voices throughout. Treble choirs of all ages will love singing this gorgeous piece, which ends with the most powerful and important phrase “I love you.” The Korean text is written in a transliteration that makes it accessible to all treble choirs.
Carrickfergus arr. Ruth Elaine Schram, SSA with piano and optional flute
Capture the rich tapestry of Irish culture with this enchanting arrangement of the beloved folk ballad. Embodying the essence of Ireland’s musical heritage, this sensitive setting will transport singers and audiences to the shores of Carrickfergus with its haunting melody and warm harmonies. From the subtle lilt of the verses to the gently flowing accompaniment and flute obbligato, each note resonates with the beauty and charm of the Irish landscape.
for TENOR/BASS CHOIRS
Will There Really Be a Morning? by Patrick Vu, TTBB a cappella
A well-loved Emily Dickinson poem is skillfully set in this a cappella setting for tenor/bass voices. Harmonies blend seamlessly, creating the perfect underscore for this classic and meaningful text.
A Traveler’s Heart by Christi Jones, TTB with piano
The majesty and grandeur of nature not only has the ability to heal, but also to create a blank canvas for artistic expression and heartfelt emotion. Jones captures those moments of encounter with creation that can take your breath away and simultaneously propel you forward into song.
Bound for the Promised Land arr. Douglas E. Wagner, TBB with piano and optional snare drum
This hearty and rugged setting of the American tune “Bound for the Promised Land” features comfortable vocal ranges and a driving snare drum, evoking an early American march-like feel. The piece includes unison sections that transition into accessible harmonies, making them easy to learn and intuitive for performers. Perfect for your high school TB ensembles!
Au Pas Camarades (Song of the Onion) arr. Emily Crocker, TB with piano
The French love their onions as you can hear in this French marching song from the 1800s. The verses tell the story (in compound meter) and the refrain helps the marchers stay in step (in duple meter). Impressive sounding and easily learned!
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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.
