News & Views Monday, March 18, 2024

Category: Choreography

Resources for Pop, Show & A Cappella Choirs 18 February, 2022

Must reads and best-sellers for Music Educators

#makethemostmusic #dedicationtoeducation #programwiththepros #sheetmusicspecialists #bewherethemusicis #stantonssheetmusic #sheetmusic #musiceducation #musicteacher #musiced #musiceducator #musiceducationmatters #conducting #musicdirector #music #columbusohio #columbusmusic #columbusmusicians #columbusmakesmusic

recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists

Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella compiled and edited by Deke Sharon, J.D. Frizzell & Marc Silverberg
“Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella” is the essential book for a cappella repertoire and rehearsal techniques, compiled and edited by educators and leaders committed to demystifying the genre and providing teachers with access to the best repertoire and pedagogy possible.

Built on the model of the best-selling “Teaching Music Through Performance” series, this volume includes chapters on the most important issues in teaching and learning contemporary a cappella, and analysis and insights for 82 works across genres: Barbershop, Contemporary A cappella, Doo-wop, Folk/Classical, Vocal Jazz. The list of composers and arrangers is diverse; the repertoire includes both arrangements and original compositions. Each selection is representative of a major a cappella trend or historical event, such as repertoire from The Sing-Off, Pitch Perfect, The Real Group, Sweet Adelines, or Pentatonix. Of course, every selection – regardless of musical style – is performed a cappella.

The authors also develop a five-point difficulty scale for evaluating literature, and each guide contains detailed information about the arrangement or composition, including where the arrangement was first performed, the history of the original song, and the styles it represents.

In creating the Teacher Resource Guides, the authors enlist the help of a cappella educators, arrangers, engineers, performers, and well-established experts. Each Guide also includes a new section called “Educational Extensions,” which provides suggestions on how to utilize the repertoire for extended classroom lessons, both as part of the rehearsal and part of a general music classroom.

Chapter topics include “A Cappella: An Overview” by Marc Silverberg; “Emotional Expression in Group Singing” by Deke Sharon and J.D. Frizzell; “Teaching Singers to Sing in All Styles: The Spectrum Method” by Erin Hackel, and “Lessons You Can Learn from Competing,” by Ben Spalding.

There is simply no better way to find and prepare the best contemporary a cappella literature available for achieving excellence in music education at all levels. “Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella” is a groundbreaking volume destined to make a significant contribution.

The Art of Competitive Show Choir (The Why, What, and How of Making Better Musicians and Humans) by Jen Randall
Thinking about starting a competitive show choir? Hoping to infuse new energy into your current program with fresh ideas? Wondering what all the hype is about? Look no further! “The Art of Competitive Show Choir” is the essential how-to guide for building and sustaining a thriving show choir program, perfect for new and seasoned professionals alike. With her hallmark wit and nearly two decades of experience, author Jen Randall offers a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and tools that address every crucial aspect of the show choir world.

This resource tackles the topic from three equally important perspectives. In Part I, Randall addresses the critical question of why students and teachers participate in show choir and why schools and students benefit from such a program.

Part II delves into the all-important what of show choir, including what it takes to get started, what a successful program looks like, and what value there is in being part of a tight-knit ensemble. She also discusses the key role competition plays in pushing groups to strive for excellence as well as the valuable lessons it provides all participants.

Part III is a practical how-to guide with information on everything from how to audition students, schedule rehearsals, and successfully fundraise to selecting music, arrangers, instrumentalists, choreographers, costumes, and even appropriate competitive experiences for your group.

Randall rounds out this resource with an explanation of the typical yearly calendar for show choir directors, a glossary of key show choir terms, and a convenient list of dozens of online resources.

“The Art of Competitive Show Choir” is the first ever resource to cover the subject with such detail and authority – all while keeping the growth and development of the students at its core. A must-read for anyone in charge of a competitive group!

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.

Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years and a former church choir director of 20 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!

STANTON’S SHEET MUSIC: 61 Years of Great Service! 01 August, 2021

Happy Birthday to us! Stanton’s is celebrating 61 years of great service for musicians, directors, and educators. Watch our history!

#makethemostmusic #dedicationtoeducation #programwiththepros #sheetmusicspecialists #bewherethemusicis #stantonssheetmusic #sheetmusic #musiceducation #musicteacher #musiced #musiceducator #musiceducationmatters #conducting #musicdirector #music

Stanton’s Online Catalogs 17 January, 2020

online catalog directory program with the prosView all of Stanton’s Five Star Features and favorites with our new online catalogs! Featuring our favorite new titles for school and sacred ensembles in fun, programmable categories, use our online catalogs to go straight to a title’s preview material. Visit our directory to find the catalog for your ensemble.

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Program with the Pros!

Make Music Day 2019 21 June, 2019

OrchestraOn June 21st over 1,000 cities in more than 120 countries will be celebrating Make Music Day from sunup to sundown. This all day festival welcomes everybody to make music anywhere! Play outside or on social media, just MAKE MUSIC!

France started Fête De La Musique in 1982 to celebrate free and live music everywhere with everyone. Translated, Fête De La Musique means both “festival of music” and “make music!” Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, was chosen for the new holiday. Make Music Day has grown in such popularity that it shuts down the streets in France so musicians may take over!

Make Music Day can be organized as a small back yard concert or as a national event. The NAMM Foundation took up the US sponsorship of Make Music Day. They have resources for those who want to host an event. You can even join their Make Music Alliance to get assistance in promotion, sponsorship, and tech support – visit makemusicday.org if you want to know more.

This is Stanton’s Sheet Music’s third year participating in Make Music Day. Each year, we leave our recital hall open to those who would like to make music. This year, we are featuring some of our very own Sheet Music Specialists as our featured musicians. Catch any of our performances on our Facebook page!

If you participate from home, consider sharing your performance on social media and giving us a shout out! Feel free to tag us and use these hashtags to reach more people!

#makethemostmusic #MakeMusicDay

Drum Line

Lights! 26 January, 2015

Do you need help creating exciting choreography for your choir? If so, you’ll want to join the thousands of choral directors across the country that have discovered Alfred Publishing’s popular movement DVDs! Featuring the creative talents of Sally K. Albrecht, Andy Beck and Anna Wentlent, these DVDs are a quick and easy way to add simple yet effective choreography to your concerts. Perfect for elementary, middle school or high school choirs, each DVD features movement suggestions for about 12 Alfred choral titles.

The newest DVD in the series is Lights!, which features such choral arrangements as “Aya Ngena,” “Jolly Old Saint Nick,” “Rockin’ Robin” and “When I Get My Name in Lights.”

Previously released DVDs from Alfred include: Reaching for the Stars!, Lift Me Up!, Showbiz!, Danza!, Follow Me to the Top!, Hooray for Hollywood! and more. Check out them all for great choreography ideas, or contact Stanton’s Sheet Music for more information.


“Reaching for the Stars!” 31 December, 2013

Do you need help creating exciting choreography for your choir? If so, you’ll want to join the thousands of choral directors across the country that have discovered Alfred Publishing’s popular movement DVDs! Featuring the creative talents of Sally K. Albrecht and Andy Beck, these DVDs are a quick and easy way to add simple yet effective choreography to your concerts. Perfect for elementary, middle school or high school choirs, each DVD features movement suggestions for about 12 Alfred choral titles.

The newest DVD in the series is Reaching for the Stars!, which features such choral arrangements as “Blizzard on the Way,” “Listen to My Song,” “Rhythms of One World,” “Splish Splash” and ”Yesu Ni Wangu.” Here’s a preview:

Click here to watch video

Previously released DVDs from Alfred include: Lift Me Up!, Showbiz!, Danza!, Follow Me to the Top!, Hooray for Hollywood!, In the Spotlight!, On with the Show!, On the Stage!, Put on a Show!, Razzamatazz!, Showtime!, Step by Step and That’s Entertainment! Check out them all for great choreography ideas, or contact Stanton’s Sheet Music for more information.

LESS THAN 1 MONTH – Hal Leonard Reading Sessions! 05 July, 2013

logo JJWStanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to invite you to our 2013 “John Jacobson Workshop” on August 1st and “Joy of Singing” on August 2nd – two full days of the best new music from Hal Leonard!

John Jacobson Workshop
Thursday 8/1/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $60.00 teacher/$40.00 student, Both fees include lunch

logo JOSJoy of Singing
Friday 8/2/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $50.00 (includes lunch)

Register now online, or contact us at 1-800-426-8742 or choral@stantons.com for more information.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Get Ready for “Joy of Singing” and the “John Jacobson Workshop!” 05 June, 2013

logo JJWStanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to invite you to our 2013 “John Jacobson Workshop” on August 1st and “Joy of Singing” on August 2nd – two full days of the best new music from Hal Leonard!

John Jacobson Workshop
Thursday 8/1/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $60.00 teacher/$40.00 student, Both fees include lunch

logo JOSJoy of Singing
Friday 8/2/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $50.00 (includes lunch)

Register now online, or contact us at 1-800-426-8742 or choral@stantons.com for more information.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Register TODAY – Hal Leonard Reading Sessions 03 May, 2013

logo JJWStanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to invite you to our 2013 “John Jacobson Workshop” on August 1st and “Joy of Singing” on August 2nd – two full days of the best new music from Hal Leonard!

John Jacobson Workshop
Thursday 8/1/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $60.00 teacher/$40.00 student, Both fees include lunch

logo JOSJoy of Singing
Friday 8/2/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $50.00 (includes lunch)

Register now online, or contact us at 1-800-426-8742 or choral@stantons.com for more information.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

“Joy of Singing” and “John Jacobson Workshop” 2013! 05 April, 2013

logo JJWStanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to invite you to our 2013 “John Jacobson Workshop” on August 1st and “Joy of Singing” on August 2nd – two full days of the best new music from Hal Leonard!

John Jacobson Workshop
Thursday 8/1/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $60.00 teacher/$40.00 student, Both fees include lunch

logo JOSJoy of Singing
Friday 8/2/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $50.00 (includes lunch)

Register now online, or contact us at 1-800-426-8742 or choral@stantons.com for more information.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

2013 “John Jacobson Workshop” and “Joy of Singing” 04 March, 2013

Stanton’s is pleased to invite you to our 2013 “John Jacobson Workshop” on August 1st and “Joy of Singing” on August 2nd – two full days of the best new music from Hal Leonard!

logo JJWJohn Jacobson Workshop
Thursday 8/1/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $60.00 teacher/$40.00 student, Both fees include lunch
Wear your comfy clothes and tennis shoes because you’re gonna get a workout! Recharge your battery, renew your enthusiasm and review the best new titles for show choir with the master of choreography, John Jacobson and special guest, Cristi Cary Miller. You will receive all the music and choreography notes for at least 20 complete routines. (Students attending this session will not receive a music packet. )

logo JOSJoy of Singing
Friday 8/2/2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Columbia Heights UMC
REGISTRATION: $50.00 (includes lunch)
Stanton’s has hosted this session for almost 30 years! Music for all levels of choral ensembles – elementary through adult – will be presented by clinicians Mark Brymer, Mac Huff, John Jacobson and Cristi Cary Miller. Each director will receive a packet of new music valued at over $150.00 containing arrangements suitable for both school and community choirs. You’ll have ample time to browse Stanton’s on-site store and chat with the clinicians throughout the day.

Register now online, or contact us at 1-800-426-8742 or choral@stantons.com for more information.

“Lift Me Up!” 22 January, 2013

Do you need help creating exciting choreography for your choir? If so, you’ll want to join the thousands of choral directors across the country that have discovered Alfred Publishing’s popular movement DVDs! Featuring the creative talents of Sally K. Albrecht and Andy Beck, these DVDs are a quick and easy way to add simple yet effective choreography to your concerts to your concerts. Perfect for elementary, middle school, or high school choirs, each DVD features movement suggestions for about 12 Alfred choral titles.

The newest DVD in the series is Lift Me Up!, which features such choral arrangements as “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Moses and Daniel,” “A Pocketful of Rhymes,” “Super Santa!” and “Sparklejollytwinklejingley.” Here’s a preview:

Previously released DVDs from Alfred include: Showbiz!, Danza!, Follow Me to the Top!, Hooray for Hollywood!, In the Spotlight!, On with the Show!, On the Stage!, Put on a Show!, Razzamatazz!, Showtime!, Step by Step and That’s Entertainment! Check out them all for great choreography ideas, or contact us for more information.

THIS WEEK is Stanton’s “School Choral Week!” 30 July, 2012

Join us August 1-4 for four days of new music reading sessions and workshops, jam-packed with great new publications and teaching tips to get you ready for the new school year!

ELEMENTARY GENERAL MUSIC CLINIC
Wednesday 8/1/2012, 9:00 am-12:30 pm

JOHN JACOBSON WORKSHOP
Thursday 8/2/2012, 9:00 am-4:00 pm

JOY OF SINGING
Friday 8/3/2012, 9:00 am-4:00 pm

STANTON’S SUPER SESSION
Saturday 8/4/2012, 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Pre-registration is now closed, but there’s still plenty of spots available for those who wish to register at the door for each event! Contact us at choral@stantons.com or 1-800-426-8742 for more details.

Come Sing and Dance with Us! 15 June, 2012

Do you want to make the most of your time when planning for your new school year? Take advantage of two full days of the best new choral music from Hal Leonard!

Register today, either online, by email or by calling 1-800-426-8742. We look forward to seeing you there!

REGISTER NOW for the “John Jacobson Workshop!” 23 April, 2012

John Jacobson Workshop
DATE/TIME: Thursday 8/2/2012, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
LOCATION: Franklin County Veterans Memorial
REGISTRATION FEE: $60.00 per teacher.
Students may attend this session for $40.00, however students WILL NOT receive a music packet/choreography DVD. Both fees include lunch.

Click here to watch video

Wear your comfy clothes and tennis shoes because you’re gonna get a workout! Recharge your battery, renew your enthusiasm and review the best new titles for show choir with the master of choreography, John Jacobson and special guest, Roger Emerson. You will receive all the music and choreography notes for 20 complete routines and a DVD of some of the titles covered in this session.

Put Some SHOW in Your CHOIR! 21 March, 2012

The author of best-selling Icebreakers and Icebreakers 2, Valerie Lippoldt Mack reflects on her career as music educator, dancer, and musician and shares valuable knowledge and experience with you in Putting the SHOW in CHOIR. Full of tips and suggestions for successful auditions, choreography, staging and lights, costumes, programming, rehearsal suggestions, budgeting, public relations and more, this resource is a must for every concert, jazz, or show choir director!

For more resources to help you put on the best performance you can, please contact us!

Mark Your Calendar for Stanton’s Reading Sessions! 16 March, 2012

Featuring talented clinicians from major publishers, Stanton’s summer choral clinics are a fantastic way to jump-start your school year! We always look forward to visiting with our regular customers, matching up faces with names of new attendees, and meeting teachers new to Stanton’s from across the country.

Mark your calendar for these dates:

  Elementary/General Music Clinic
Wednesday August 1, 2012
Clinician: Greg Gilpin
  The John Jacobson Workshop
Thursday August 2, 2012
Clinicians: John Jacobson & Roger Emerson
  The Joy of Singing
Friday August 3, 2012
Clinicians: Christine Bass, Roger Emerson, Mac Huff John Jacobson
  Stanton’s Super Session
Saturday August 4, 2012
Clinicians: Andy BeckGreg Gilpin & Jen Sper

Also in August 2012:

  Sacred Choral Reading Session
Saturday August 11, 2012
Clinician: Lloyd Larson
(no pre-registration for this session)
  Excellence in Choral Literature
Saturday August 25, 2012
Clinician: James Gallagher

Registration will open April 1st. For more detailed information regarding any of these clinics, contact the choral department at 1-800-426-8742, extension 1.

Classroom Movement Activities from Artie Almeida 10 November, 2011

One of the new titles featured on our August Elementary General Music Clinic that we just love is Artie Almeida’s ”Parachutes and Ribbons and Scarves, Oh My!” from Heritage Music Press. Check out the video below of Artie leading an elementary class in one of the fun activities featured in the book:

Click here to watch video

Come and Dance with John Jacobson! 10 June, 2011

Click to watch video

Stanton’s Sheet Music invites you to the 2011 John Jacobson Workshop–wear your comfy clothes and tennis shoes because you're gonna get a workout! Recharge your battery, renew your enthusiasm and review the best new titles for show choir with the master of choreography, John Jacobson and special guest, Mac Huff. You will receive all the music and choreography notes for 20 complete routines and a DVD of some of the titles covered in this session. Contact us for more information, or register online NOW!

Do You Need a Little “Showbiz”? 27 May, 2011

Do you need help creating exciting choreography for your choir.  If so, you'll want to join the thousands of choral directors across the country that have discovered Alfred Publishing's popular movement DVDs!  Featuring the creative talents of Sally K. Albrecht and Andy Beck, these DVDs are a quick and easy way to add simple yet effective choreography to your concerts.  Perfect for elementary, middle school, or high school choirs, each DVD features movement suggestions for about 12 Alfred choral titles.

The newest DVD in the series is Showbiz!, which features such choral arrangements as “Get Happy,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” “Santa Mash-up,” “Tama Tu,” and “The Time Warp.” Here’s a preview:

Click here to watch video

Previously released DVDs from Alfred include: Danza!, Follow Me to the Top!, Hooray for Hollywood!, In the Spotlight!, On with the Show!, On the Stage!, Put on a Show!, Razzamatazz!, Showtime!, Step by Step, and That's Entertainment!  Check out them all for great choreography ideas, or contact us for more information.