News & Views Saturday, December 21, 2024

If you’re planning to perform a holiday musical with your elementary students this December, try one of these “Stanton’s Approved” new publications, or one of our “Favorite Best-sellers” from Christmases past…

NEW FOR 2012

Jingle Bell Jukebox…the Flip Side
This exciting sequel to Jingle Bell Jukebox delivers even more Christmas cheer! All the kids are singing and dancing to this festive collection of holiday hits arranged especially for 2-part singers. Program these favorite holiday songs individually, as a concert set, or as a simply staged 35-minute musical (using the optional soda-shop-setting script). Nine reproducible songs with complete choreography! Recommended for grades 3-8.

Stormy the Singing Snowman
Oh, no! The popular Snowfest festival is just around the corner, and the feature soloist had to cancel! Members of the Snowfest Choir are sent out to hunt for new talent. Join the fun and the singing as Stormy (the snowman) and his Forest Chorus friends decide to audition for the Maestro. Can you guess who ends up with the big solo? Approximately 25 minutes. Recommended for grades 2-7.

Twinkle & Shine
Santa wants a “living” tree in the great hall this Christmas, and comedy abounds as Santa’s helpers ask the trees, animals and birds of the forest for help. Discover the important lesson they all learn and watch your young students twinkle & shine when they perform this heart-warming musical that features five original songs and easy-to-learn rhyming dialog with over 40 speaking parts. Recommended for grades K-3

FAVORITE BEST-SELLERS

It’s Christmas Everywhere
This around-the-world celebration of Christmas, exploring carols and traditions from Germany, Japan, Australia, Africa, Mexico, Canada, and Spain. Both familiar and lesser-known carols are included,framed by an up-beat theme song which is reprised at the end, incorporating holiday greetings in six languages. Narrations introduce each country and carol, to explain the traditions of the region. Approximately 25-30 minutes.

Jingle All The Way
With some help from MapQuest, Johnnie, Nellie and Susie head out for the North Pole to meet Santa. Just listen for the jingle in Santa’s heart. But, what’s this – Santa has lost his jingle? Have we lost the true meaning of Christmas? Join the journey as the North Pole gang gets everyone’s help to restore the jingle in Santa’s heart and find the spirit and joy of the season. This entertaining 20-minute musical features clever rhyming dialog with 30 speaking parts. Suggested for grades K-3.

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
The retelling of the timeless Christmas classic is a holiday tradition! Six festive songs are interspersed throughout the original Clement Moore poem, creating a theatrical performance that is sure to “wow” your holiday audience. From the cheery “Christmas Is Coming,” to the rockin’ “Reindeer on the Roof,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies,” ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is filled with memorable music! Recommended for grades K-6, approximately 20 minutes

For more great holiday suggestions, contact our Classroom Music specialists, or browse Holiday Musicals on our website.

Feature your elementary choir this winter with one of these great octavos, as featured on Stanton’s Elementary General Music Clinic with Greg Gilpin:

First Flakes by Amy F. Bernon
Making ample use of wordplay, contrasts between staccato and legato sounds, and engaging syncopation, Amy Bernon illustrates a child’s sense of anticipation and wonder at the first snowfall of the year. With options for two-part singing, this selection offers an upbeat, twirling, swirling winter experience for your young singers.

I See a Star by Greg Gilpin
Simply charming for young and developing choirs, this touching piece offers a wish for the world to find the hope, peace, and love that it needs. With memorable melodies and a bridge featuring hints of “star light, star bright, first star I see tonight,” it is usable throughout the year as a song of peace and will make an especially effective addition to Christmas, winter, and holiday concerts.

Santa Makes the “Rounds” arr. Janet Gardner
This arrangement is delightful! Famous rounds have new lyrics that are crafted perfectly for the holidays. With this piece, you ll be able to teach the rounds kids need to know as well as present them in a new way for a great holiday performance.

Super Santa! by Andy Beck
Listen up, superheroes and secret agents! There’s a new guy in town and he’s on a mission to deliver Christmas with unmistakable ’60s panache. “Not a bird, not a plane, not a speeding turbo train…it’s Super Santa Claus!…Whoosh! Pow!” Groovy, baby.

For more holiday suggestions for your young choir, please contact us!

It seems like so much needs to happen in your school building in December – where can you fit your holiday program?! To avoid scheduling drama, some music teachers are moving their musical up to November and celebrating Thanksgiving! There are not very many ready-made musicals for “Turkey Day;” here are Stanton’s ideas for you:

Programs-a-Plenty
This flexible resource contains 12 different scripts for a variety of programs throughout the year.  Each reproducible script offers many speaking parts and suggestions for songs you can include from among music you probably already have in your library. There is a “Thanksgiving Day” script, which would be a 20-30 minute program, but you could also supplement with ideas from the “Fantastic Fall Festival” and “I Am America” scripts to create a longer production – do whatever works best for your situation!

Holiday Plays
(“No Turkey for Perky” and “Bob Humbug, the Christmas Grump”)
This book and CD set by Carol Kaplan contains two musicals appropriate for ages 4-7. “No Turkey for Perky” is the story of a girl who doesn’t like to eat turkey, and would rather eat pizza for Thanksgiving dinner! Simple staging and costuming suggestions help you to lead children from their natural “playing” into the elements of acting/singing in a musical. The play is the perfect introduction to a school, church or community Thanksgiving meal.

For more Thanksgiving suggestions, contact our classroom music specialists!

“The Snowman” is a children’s book without words by English author Raymond Briggs, published in 1978. An animated film was produced in 1982 with words and music by Howard Blake. The film has won awards in the U.S. and Britain. When it was aired for the for the first time on  December 26, 1982 in Britain, it was an instant hit, especially the song “Walking in the Air.”  It has been an annual hit ever since.

Through Hal Leonard, an easy piano book including the illustrations, story and the music is available.  Maybe you would like to play the music for your youngsters, or one of your older children would like to play for younger siblings or friends.  A general music teacher in an elementary school could use this for younger grade level children.  Get your copy of this delightful story soon!

For more information about this book or other holiday music, please call us at 1-800-42-MUSIC, email us at keyboard@stantons.com, or view our website.

Welcome your elementary choir back to school with one of these great choral octavos, as featured on Stanton’s Elementary General Music Clinic with Greg Gilpin:

Busy, Busy Bumblebee by Greg Gilpin
From the imaginative pen of Greg Gilpin comes this entertaining exercise in diction, dynamics, and alliteration. Featuring a unique 6/8 feel that emphasizes the rhythm of the text and a piano accompaniment that emulates the sound of a bumblebee “darting and diving all around,” this creative programming gem is sure to have your singers buzzing for more.

The Crocodile by Ruth Morris Gray
Sing this wildly whimsical Lewis Carroll text three times, combining the two sensible melodies on the final repeat. A playful piano accompaniment provides solid support and sounds like the snapping jaws of the croc!

Everything is Beautiful arr. Greg Gilpin
This two-time GRAMMY winner from Ray Stevens from the early ’70s is a perfect message for today’s generation as well. Its gospel-feel style includes a descant sung by soloist or  small group, creating an anthem of love and peace with the message of understanding and acceptance.

Mr. Trombone Man by Cristi Cary Miller
Your choir will have a blast with this ragtime style original that features a unique showcase for a trombone! Whether you perform live or with the ShowTrax CD, this easily learned song will add fun and pizzazz to your concert while sharing the important message about the power of music in our lives.

Shake, Rattle and Roll arr. Sally K. Albrecht
This 12-bar blues from 1954 gets an easy-to-assemble “partner-song” treatment complete with staging suggestions! So, “get out from that kitchen,” and start singing!

Shake the Papaya Down arr. Greg Gilpin
Kids will love performing with shakers in hand during this island-flavored Calypso song, arranged especially for developing 2-part singers. A terrific way to shake things up and bring the house down!

For more exciting elementary choral resources, please contact us!

Introduce jazz to your elementary students with through the engaging world of “Freddie the Frog!”

In “Freddie the Frog and the Flying Jazz Kitten,” Freddie finds adventure again when some cool jazz cats fly their plane to Treble Clef Island to pick up a new horn. With the help of the Flying Jazz Kitten and a swingin’ beat, Freddie becomes a jazz sensation. The enclosed audio CD includes the dramatized story, sing-along songs and an instrumental blues track to create your own special scat.

Scat singing is the easiest way for kids to begin developing their jazz chops, but singing nonsense syllables as a soloist can be unnerving. The “Scat Singing for Kids” teacher’s guide contains a detailed step-by-step process that creates a “safe zone.” Using this guide, in partnership with the “Scat Words” flash cards, will help you lead even the most insecure student to uninhibited scattin’ fun!

You can separately purchase Freddie’s 5th Adventure “The Flying Jazz Kitten” Book/CD, the “Scat Words” flashcard set, and the “Scat Singing for Kids” teacher’s guide, or buy all three products together in one, cost-saving bundle! All of these products are in stock and ready to ship from Stanton’s.

At our recent Elementary General Music Clinic, we asked our attendees to name their favorite “tried-and-true” classroom resource. Both of these great resources came up more than once:

Parachutes and Ribbons and Scarves, Oh My!
by Artie Almeida
What could be better than a resource that will have your students begging to listen to more classical music? In “Parachutes and Ribbons and Scarves, Oh My!” Artie Almeida shares some of her most-beloved listening and movement-based lessons. The included CD features outstanding orchestral tracks from the NAXOS recording label and reproducible visuals and teaching aids. Best of all, videos of Artie’s students performing the activities are also provided on the disc, so pull out your favorite movement props and let the learning—and listening—begin!

Rockin’ Rhythm Raps
by Cheryl Lavender
Here’s a fun collection that makes rhythm reading a snap, tap and a clap! This motivational classroom resource consists of over 60 rhythm drills and song rhythms, beginning with the simplest patterns and progressing sequentially to more complex patterns. Included are 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 patterns with quarter, eighth, half and whole notes/rests. Syncopated rhythms, tied notes, sixteenth notes and dotted rhythms are also included for extra challenge in building skills. The rhythm drills are reproducible for classroom use, so your students can keep them in their folders for daily use or you can make posters or overhead transparencies for whole-group practice. The book comes complete with teaching ideas, extension suggestions and assessment strategies.

Stay tuned for more “peer recommended” products, or contact us for more details on all Stanton’s favorite new elementary music resources!

We’re always talking about our knowledgeable staff—you’ll find that very phrase on much of our printed advertising, as well as on our website. Stanton’s sales staff is separated into departments to ensure that each staff member is well informed about a specific area of the wide variety of music that we carry. So when you call and ask about music for trumpet, you’ll be speaking with someone who has first-hand knowledge of repertoire, not just a phone operator with no musical experience. Here’s what you’ll find in each department:

CHORAL DEPARTMENT (ex. 1)
Choral Music for School & Church
Elementary General Music
Classical Solo Vocal
Handbell

BAND DEPARTMENT (ex. 2)
Concert Band
Marching Band
Jazz Ensemble
Orchestra
Solos for all concert instruments
Instrumental Method Books
Music Software/Technology

POP/KEYBOARD (ex. 3)
Sacred & Secular Piano
Organ
Piano Method Books
Popular/Broadway Solo Vocal
Contemporary Christian Vocal
Guitar Solos and Methods
Music for Folk Instruments

You can direct emails to the exact department you need by clicking the links above, or press the appropriate extension when you call 1-800-42-MUSIC. If you’re unsure of which department to choose, we’re always happy to direct you to whoever can best address your needs. At Stanton’s, it is important to us that you receive the most educated answers to your questions and the finest music recommendations.

If you missed our Elementary General Music Clinic this week, you can check out our online clinic flyer. Coming next week, you’ll also be able to explore these titles online using Stanton’s new “Virtual Workshop.” Check out these great new interactive resources which were featured on the clinic:

Interactive Folksongs
Folksongs are powerful teaching tools. Their repetitive rhythms and melodies provide a better understanding of music concepts, while teaching us about our multicultural heritage. The more interactivity you bring to your classroom, the more engaged your students will be in their learning. Master educator Cristi Cary Miller combines these tools in an exciting multimedia approach that teaches folksong melodies accompanied by simple Orff instrument ostinatos. Step-by-step lesson plans are printed in the Teacher Book. They coordinate with projectable music lessons on the enclosed interactive CD-ROM. Recorded melodies (without lyrics) and separate Orff instrument pitches are embedded in the projected lessons for more interactive learning and assessment. Lessons are teacher-paced with a click-through format that does not require any special interactive software. Just insert the CD-ROM into your computer and click away! This collection for grades 2-5 features songs for younger students and songs for older students.

Interactive NOW!, Vol 6
The “Interactive Now” team of Debbie Anderson and Phyllis Thomas is on a roll! Their innovative approach to integrating technology continues to expand and is now available as Flash-based software that can be used with any interactive whiteboard or computer. As always, you will find ten outstanding units of study for exploration by students in grades K-5. Your students will have fun with the twelve-bar blues, match treble-clef pitches, review rhythmic values in a fast-paced game, respond through movement to multiple styles and tempi, and a whole lot more. Each unit includes “Objectives” and “Quick Tips,” along with printable, reproducible worksheets and assessments. Check out volumes 1-5 as well!

For more Elementary music resources, contact us today!

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.

At Stanton’s Sheet Music, we vicariously help teach your students with you! It’s true…We look through hundreds of new titles every summer and choose the select few that we would use if we were teaching.  These are the titles we share with you in our promotions on-line and in the mail.

So if you are thinking:
“Why should I spend my time looking at Stanton’s promotions?”
It’s because:
• Stanton’s Staff has already spent hours looking at and listening to hundreds of new titles.
• They have picked pieces at all levels that they would use if they were teaching.
• Their aim is to make your life easier and to help you succeed.

And if you are thinking:
“Why is Stanton’s Staff qualified to make these recommendations?”
It’s because:
• Stanton’s Staff is made up of college-trained musicians.
• Some of them have taught in the public schools and many teach privately.
• They know what has proven to be successful for Stanton’s customers over the years.

And if you are thinking:
“Why did Stanton’s Staff pick these particular pieces to recommend to me?”
It’s because:
Stanton’s only selects pieces that they believe are
• The most educationally valid
• The best sounding
• The most highly programmable

So if you are thinking:
“I can’t go wrong with Stanton’s Choices!”
It’s because:
• You’re right!

From a first-year teacher whose instruments were stolen before entering his building, to a teacher who received “hate mail” before her first day, to a teacher whose sensitivity, flexibility and insight gained her the respect of her ensemble in only weeks, “The Music Teacher’s First Year,” a collection of true stories from first-year teachers, is a delightful description of their real world. In addition, each chapter includes discussion questions for pre-service and young teachers as they prepare for their teaching future.

Are YOU just beginning your career as a music educator?  Let Stanton’s help!  Take advantage of our summer clinics; use our 21-Day Trial program to peruse music for your ensembles; check out our YouTube channel for repertoire suggestions from our staff, as well as nationally-known clinicians; like Stanton’s on Facebook for daily updates; and, of course, continue to read our blog to keep abreast of happenings in the music education world!

Elementary General Music Clinic
DATE/TIME: Wednesday 8/1/2012, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
LOCATION: Franklin County Veterans Memorial
REGISTRATION FEE: $20.00

Stanton’s is excited to welcome back Greg Gilpin as our clinician for the 30th edition of our Elementary General Music Clinic. This is one of Stanton’s longest running and most successful clinics, where we showcase the best new teacher resources, song collections, games, musicals and more! We are sure that you will find materials that will keep you and your students interested throughout the year. Get your school year started on the right foot!

Click here to watch video

“Tubby the Tuba,” written by Paul Tripp and illustrated by Henry Cole, is the timeless story of a tuba who wants to play the melody.

This lovely book includes a CD of the accompanying music. This wonderful children’s story is over 60 years old, and it is still a top seller.  Music teachers buy it for their classrooms, parents buy it for young children, friends of parents-to-be buy it as a shower gift.  Customers pick it up from the counter and look through the book, recounting fond childhood memories of “Tubby the Tuba.”

If you don’t own this book and recording, if you or the kids wore your old copy out, or if you are a new elementary music teacher, this book and recording are for you!  For other sheet music books and music story books, feel free to contact us at 1-800-42-MUSIC or email us at greatservice@stantons.com.

Stanton’s Sheet Music is pleased to present Moja, Mbili, Tatu: Songs and Games from Kenya, an inspiring new resource by Mark Burrows.

“We would hear stories of orphans, disease, and third-world poverty. But there were always stories of hope, too, and of how people could make a difference. Every time I would hear those stories, I would shake my head and think,‘I ought to go and do something!’ Well, I couldn’t cure diseases or eradicate hunger or poverty…I know music, and I know kids. That was the first spark of what would later become the Music Academy, Miathene Synod.”

Explore the songs, rhythms, and instruments of the Kenyan culture all while teaching your students that, even though our lives are very different, music is something that we all have in common. Join composer and educator Mark Burrows in this heartwarming collection of songs, activities, and lessons from his journeys to Miathene Synod, Kenya. A CD is included with authentic pronunciation tracks for all of the songs. Refresh your teaching with his vivid accounts of working with the children and teachers at the music academy that he helped to establish.

More than just a classroom resource, this publication will leave you with a renewed hope that the world will be a better place for future generations, and give you the satisfaction of knowing that proceeds from your purchase will help to fund the academy’s continued operations.

Are you out of ideas for your music program or a camp this summer?  Stanton’s recommends these resources to provide engaging music activities for the wiggliest of kids from 1 to 92!

Beethoven’s Wig
Within this imaginative collection are zany, stick-in-your-head lyrics set to some of the greatest masterpieces of classical music, opening a door to serious music in a way that’s fun!

Get America Singing Again
Use singing to bring people together in your neighborhood, home, church, camp, school, club or activity with this collection containing over 40 songs representing America’s vast music heritage. Add guitar, piano, autoharp or any other instruments you can lay your hands on!

Make and Play
With step-by-step pictorial guides to making simple, inexpensive instruments, each unit features a play based on an indigenous folktale. Combine these elements to showcase the instruments created by the students, creating a final, performance-ready product!

Stomp Boom Blast
Based on the hit show Stomp, these clever pieces feature items like rulers, staplers, wastebaskets, pencil sharpeners and other common “stuff” to create unique rhythmic performances. A perfect change of pace for any concert, these are guaranteed to be audience favorites!

Double Dream Hands
Follow John Jacobson as he leads you through dance routines in a variety of styles from rock to samba, Hollywood to Bollywood, and  more. Recreate these routines at family gatherings, parties, school classrooms or anywhere else people want to have fun!

Let’s All Sing Novelty Songs
Here’s a must-have for your music library! This  collection of singable melodies and entertaining lyrics is perfect for the young AND the young-at-heart. You’re never too old for a little “Monster Mash” and “Yakety Yak”!

Pop Partners
This tremendous collection features well-known songs that will never go out of style – like “Bye Bye Blackbird,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” and “Splish, Splash” – in simple partner song format with reproducible song sheets, and easy-to teach staging suggestions.

Totally Tubular Whactive
Great for building group harmony, this collection of indoor and outdoor activities using Boomwhackers Tubes and commonly available items is suitable for General Music, Physical Education or any group that likes to get moving!

For more great suggestions for summertime fun, contact us!