News & Views Saturday, July 12, 2025

Music Is More Than Technique: A Guide to Why and How by Dennis Shrock
In recent decades, the classical music of past eras has appeared on concert programs less and less frequently despite its historical significance and artistic merit.

In this volume, noted scholar Dennis Shrock argues that expressive performances which transcend mere technical precision – correct notes, rhythms, and articulations – will generate renewed interest in the musical masterpieces of the past.

Using primary source quotations and music excerpts from the Medieval through Modern eras, Shrock explains how to perform historic music authentically and artfully, revealing its innate nature as intended by the composer.

In this way, the music of past eras – like its counterparts in visual art and architecture – may be “restored” to its original state and appreciated by performers and audiences alike, ensuring its continued relevance and rightful place on concert programs for generations to come.

A balance of scholarship and practical performance tips, “Music Is More Than Technique” is a must-have reference for conductors of school, community, and professional ensembles.

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

The Music Teacher’s Guide to Recruitment and Retention by Angela Ammerman
Successful music educators from rural, one-light towns and bustling cities provide innovative methods for recruiting and retaining students. From elementary ukulele ensembles to high school bands, orchestras, and vocal ensembles, the strategies within these pages will greatly assist in building a successful music program from the bottom up. The ideas in this highly engaging text will have your program bursting at the seams with eager and dedicated student-musicians.

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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.

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

Unleashing the Potential of the Musician’s Body (Timani: Anatomy and Exercises for Healthy Playing and Singing) by Tina Margareta Nilssen
“Unleashing the Potential of the Musician’s Body” offers clear and practical tools for music professionals, students, educators, movement specialists, and therapists working with musicians. You’ll learn about relevant anatomy – in particular, joints, muscles, and fascia – and get information on how the brain and movement are linked together. You’ll find dozens of illustrated performance-targeted exercises for all parts of the body, with specific instructions for different types of instruments as well as for singers. The exercises are designed to optimize movement and make playing or singing more effortless and expressive – and through this, access more musical potential. This book also touches on subjects such as warm-ups, pain, healthy living, and self-care tips.

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.

Leading as a Conductor: With Integrity of Heart and Skillful Hands by Tobin Stewart
Conducting is more than gesture, technique, and score study. Who we are as conductors is also critically important because character, integrity, and personality directly influence the way we connect with others.

Drawing from a deep well of research and years of experience, conductor and teacher Tobin Stewart identifies fourteen essential qualities of great leaders – vision, humility, and passion, to name a few – and applies these to leadership on and off the podium.

He shares candidly about his own successes and failures, and offers practical strategies, stories, quotes, and reflection questions designed to build character and develop the intangible traits of effective, compassionate leaders.

Equally suited for personal or classroom use, “Leading as a Conductor: With Integrity of Heart and Skillful Hands” closes the gap between technique and the heart and soul of being a conductor. A must-read for instrumental and choral educators at any stage of their career.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Cartoon Hits arr. Matt Conaway & Matt Finger, Grade 3-4
Including the popular themes from Bluey, Doug, and Fairly Odd Parents, this entertaining collection of hit cartoon themes is perfect for time-outs or short stadium blasts!

Hip Hop Stadium Blasters XII (Drop the Hammer) by Dallas C. Burke, Medium Easy
Drop the Hammer on the opposing team with these three funky hip hop jams during your next time out!

In the End Zone (Cheer Pack) by Allen Gray, Medium Easy
Five short tunes to rock the stands during any timeout. This chart has it all from Latin to Rock to Hip Hop and even includes epic powerhouse quotes from the Firebird Suite!

Pep Grooves 2024 arr. Alan Keown, Medium Easy
The perfect set of 4 short drumline grooves that will rock the stands at your next sporting event!

Tight Timeouts arr. Tim Waters, Medium Easy
These six short, dynamic, fun and funky tunes are the perfect length to rock any time out!

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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!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

An American In Paris Part 1 by George Gershwin/arr. Dave Henning, Medium
Competitive bands will love this powerful and epic treatment of Gershwin’s masterpiece “An American in Paris.”

An American In Paris Part 2 by George Gershwin/arr. Dave Henning, Medium Easy
Part 2 of Gershwin’s iconic “An American In Paris” starts somber before quicly building into a frantic pace. The chart crescendo’s to a majestic finish that will have the judges and audience on their feet!

Bolero by Maurice Ravel/arr. Allen Gray, Medium Easy
This classical gem from Maurice Ravel translates into a marching band arrangement that starts out soft with a beautiful elegant flute solo followed by a trumpet and mellophone duet. The arrangement keeps building every measure with the full band entering on the main theme followed by a truly epic crescendo to finish off this tune with a powerful statement.

Nessun Dorma (from Turandot) by Giacomo Puccini/arr. Chris Sharp & Carl Major, Medium Easy
This gorgeous classical masterpiece by Puccini from “Turandot” makes a truly epic vehicle for marching bands to both stir the crowd and blow down the pressbox!

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!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Avalon arr. Dallas C. Burke, Medium Easy
This uptempo take on the jazz classic sits right in the pocket and swings hard while remaining playable.

Basin Street Blues arr. Dallas C. Burke, Medium Easy
This sultry, bluesy take on the iconic Dixieland standard offers a nice change of pace that’s perfect for a production number.

Mack the Knife arr. Allen Gray, Medium Easy
This version of the jazz standard gives everyone in the band a shot at the melody and swings hard from the opening measure until the dynamic finish!

Malaguena arr. Dallas C. Burke, Medium Easy
Dallas Burke delivers a take on the ultimate Latin opener that is truly fire from start to finish! There’s no better way to start a show!

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!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

The Big Bang Theory (Main Title) arr. Dallas C. Burke, Easy
This theme song from one of the most watched television shows of all time makes a fun tune for the stands or the field. There is an optional cut for bands that want to play the shorter TV version.

The Ecstasy of Gold by Ennio Morricone/arr. Mike Story, Grade 2
Here is a powerful offering from famed film composer Ennio Morricone. Scored for bands of any size, the arrangement features a short trumpet solo, exciting harmonies, and driving percussion. This chart would be terrific both on or off the field!

Oompa Loompa Doompadee-Doo (from Wonka) arr. Nick Baratta, Grade 3
Here is the iconic song from the Willy Wonka movies in a hip new arrangement. Writer Nick Baratta pulls out all the stops with this fun and creative chart!

You’ve Never Had Chocolate Like This (from Wonka) arr. Mike Story, Grade 2
This showstopping tune from the hit movie “Wonka” is perfect for marching band performance. It would be great as a drill or dance team feature, stands chart, or as a halftime show production number!

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!

So You Want to Be a Music Major: A Guide for High School Students, Their Parents, Guidance Counselors, and Music Teachers by Robert Franzblau
This book details the fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes that prospective music majors need in order to make a successful transition from high school to college. Specific exercises are offered, along with supporting online resources. It also suggests steps that parents, high school guidance counselors, and music teachers can take to identify, encourage, and guide future musicians and music educators.

Majoring in Music: All the Stuff You Need to Know by Rich Holly
Highlights the major components for survival and success during the formative years in a college, university or conservatory and provides examples and strategies to greatly assist the student musician. With no-nonsense advice and practical tips, this guide will prepare music students (and their parents!) to meet the many challenges, and take advantage of the opportunities afforded them during the glorious college years.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Greedy arr. Brian Scott, Grade 3
Singer/songwriter Tate McRae had a number 1 hit with this dance-pop tune in late 2023. Brian Scott’s full-sounding arrangement features lots of great sounds, and is perfect for the stands or pep band, as well as for dance and drill teams.

Houdini arr. Matt Conaway & Matt Finger, Grade 3
Here’s another stunning hit from pop sensation Dua Lipa! With a moderate rock pulse and powerful riffs, this exciting chart uses lots of scoring variety in an effective setting for the stands.

Lil Boo Thang arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 3
Initially popular as a TikTok sensation, Paul Russell’s “Lil Boo Thang” samples the 70s hit “Best of My Love” by The Emotions. This viral hit features a catchy tune and infectious dance groove.

ME! arr. Matt Conaway & Matt Finger, Grade 2-3
Taylor Swift’s original recording of this hit from 2019 was driven by a marching style drumline, making it a natural choice for the stands or on the field. Featuring a strong pulse and catchy melody, it’s sure to be a hit with all audiences.

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) arr. Matt Conaway & Matt Finger, Grade 3-4
Just try not to dance to this wildly infectious and exciting hit by Shakira. Originally recorded as the official theme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the song is as popular as ever with nearly 4 billion YouTube views!

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!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Zombie arr. Dallas C. Burke, Easy
This classic rock tune from the alternative band The Cranberries starts out dark and somber before it quickly builds to an intense hard hitting finish.

When I Come Around arr. Dave Henning, Medium Easy
This hit from the band Green Day is musical comfort food and rocks hard!

Rock You Like a Hurricane arr. Matt Conaway & Matt Finger, Grade 3-4
Heard in stadiums around the world, this hard rockin’ 80s hit by the Scorpions is still as popular as ever. With the gritty opening riff and instantly recognizable melody, this is guaranteed to raise the energy level in the stands or on the field!

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!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Barbie Girl arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2-3
Originally recorded in 1997 by the group Aqua, this quirky hit is popular again thanks to the blockbuster movie “Barbie.” This solid chart requires limited rehearsal time and will sound great with bands of any size.

Choose Your Fighter arr. Doug Adams, Grade 2
With its catchy melody and driving percussion, singer Ava Max’s hit song from the “Barbie” soundtrack is a natural for marching band. The powerful scoring by arranger Doug Adams will make any band sound twice it size!

Dance the Night arr. Victor Lopez, Grade 3
Dua Lipa is one of today’s hottest stars. Here is her hit tune from “Barbie” in a terrific arrangement by Victor Lopez. This one has a great “hook,” and will be a party tune favorite with your marching or pep band.

Dance the Night arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3-4
From the blockbuster movie “Barbie,” this driving hit recorded by pop star Dua Lipa is a great tune for the stands, or an entertaining dance feature.

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!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Armed Forces Marching On arr. Will Boartfield, Easy
This patriotic parade style medley includes a tribute to the different branches of the United States Armed Forces along with the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” This is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

You’re a Grand Old Flag arr. Tim Waters, Medium Easy
This patriotic staple from George M. Cohan is the perfect vehicle for bands traveling the parade route!

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!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Don’t You (Forget About Me) arr. Ishbah Cox, Grade 3
Some songs from the 80s never seem to grow old and this smash hit recorded by Simple Minds is certainly one of these. With its memorable melody and powerful drive, you won’t soon forget about this one!

Eye of the Tiger arr. Scott Boerma & Chuck Ricotta, Grade 3
Recorded by Survivor in 1982 for the movie “Rocky III,” this rock anthem has come to epitomize the emotion and drama of competition. Scott Boerma’s arrangement takes this hit to new levels of excitement for any sports arena!

Human Nature arr. Allen Gray, Medium Easy
This hit from Michael Jackson makes a powerful funky masterpiece that will make the press box tremble!

In the Air Tonight arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3-4
Featuring the most famous drum break in modern rock, “In the Air Tonight” has become one of Phil Collins’ signature hits. Often heard in movies and TV, it was recently used as the theme for “Monday Night Football.”

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!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Avalon arr. Dallas C. Burke, Medium Easy
This uptempo take on the jazz classic sits right in the pocket and swings hard while remaining playable.

Cartoon Hits! arr. Matt Conaway & Matt Finger, Grade 3-4
Including the popular themes from “Bluey,” “Doug,” and “Fairly Odd Parents,” this entertaining collection of hit cartoon themes is perfect for time-outs or short stadium blasts!

Choose Your Fighter arr. Doug Adams, Grade 2
With its catchy melody and driving percussion, singer Ava Max’s hit song from the “Barbie” soundtrack is a natural for marching band. The powerful scoring by arranger Doug Adams will make any band sound twice it size!

Dance the Night arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3-4
From the blockbuster movie “Barbie,” this driving hit recorded by pop star Dua Lipa is a great tune for the stands, or an entertaining dance feature.

Don’t You (Forget About Me) arr. Ishbah Cox, Grade 3
Some songs from the 80s never seem to grow old and this smash hit recorded by Simple Minds is certainly one of these. With its memorable melody and powerful drive, you won’t soon forget about this one!

Eye of the Tiger arr. Scott Boerma & Chuck Ricotta, Grade 3
Recorded by Survivor in 1982 for the movie “Rocky III,” this rock anthem has come to epitomize the emotion and drama of competition. Scott Boerma’s arrangement takes this hit to new levels of excitement for any sports arena!

Human Nature arr. Allen Gray, Medium Easy
This hit from Michael Jackson makes a powerful funky masterpiece that will make the press box tremble!

Lil Boo Thang arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 3
Initially popular as a TikTok sensation, Paul Russell’s “Lil Boo Thang” samples the 70s hit “Best of My Love” by The Emotions. This viral hit features a catchy tune and infectious dance groove.

Malaguena arr. Dallas C. Burke, Medium Easy
Dallas Burke delivers a take on the ultimate Latin opener that is truly fire from start to finish! There’s no better way to start a show!

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) arr. Matt Conaway & Matt Finger, Grade 3-4
Just try not to dance to this wildly infectious and exciting hit by Shakira. Originally recorded as the official theme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the song is as popular as ever with nearly 4 billion YouTube views!

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!

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

Realizing Diversity: An Equity Framework for Music Education by Karen Howard
Questions abound about diversity in music education. How can we engage with diverse populations, repertoire, and identities while upholding integrity and achieving equity? What are cultural appropriation, othering, tokenizing, and essentializing? How can we avoid bias in our teaching and repertoire selection? How do we create a more socially just music education?

These are critical questions with accessible answers. But if we are to become better music educators, we must reflect on these questions, our own identities, and our relationships with the music and people of the world.

“Realizing Diversity” by Karen Howard is a groundbreaking and practical resource for crafting diverse and anti-bias music education in classrooms, ensembles, and studios at all levels—from preschool to university and community settings.

At the book’s core is an Anti-Bias Framework intended to help music educators gain confidence and comfort in designing music curricula that are just, equitable, and make participants feel safe and welcome. Structured around the four social justice domains of identity, diversity, justice, and action, this framework explores topics of anti-racism, gender and sexual identity, power and privilege, disabilities, economic realities, empathy, and critical consciousness.

Dr. Howard also includes discussion of educational movements in United States history, the challenging “world music” label and related authenticity, the hyper-prevalence of Western Eurocentric music, inclusive repertoire selection, as well as appendices with critical practices for educators and a sample curriculum.

An indispensable book for pre-service, beginning, and veteran music teachers of toddlers through adults, “Realizing Diversity” considers the many separate but deeply interrelated questions related to creating a more socially just music education.

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.