You Better Sleigh! by JaRod Hall, Grade 3 Bring some funk with a sassy attitude to your winter concert! This remarkably smooth and fun musical scavenger hunt includes a wealth of holiday tunes with an incredible groove! Influenced by jazz, R&B, soul, and dance music, this is guaranteed to be the hit of the season.
All I Want for Christmas Is You arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2 Originally recorded by Mariah Carey in 1994, this familiar tune has become a perennial holiday favorite. Scored for flexible instrumentation, this appealing arrangement features the moderate swing style of the original following the opening rubato section. Easy to learn, and sure to brighten up any concert.
As All the Angels Sing by Rob Romeyn, Grade 2.5 Rob Romeyn’s masterful medley, “As All The Angels Sing” has proven to be a “go to” work for holiday concerts. This flexible instrumentation “Build-A-Band” version ensures success for even the most awkward of instrumentations. Based on the traditional carol “Angels From The Realms of Glory,” this is the perfect opening or closing statement for your holiday concert! The sparkling introductory theme is creatively enhanced by quotations from other festive, well-known carols, leading to a heartfelt setting of “Still, Still, Still” that is simply beautiful. The music then ends as it began, festive and strong.
Fanfare for the Faithful arr. Michael Kamuf, Grade 1 Experience a fresh spin on the beloved hymn-tune “Adeste Fidelis” with an opening fanfare motif based upon melodic fragments of the familiar melody. This FLEX setting reinforces concepts of phrasing, dynamics, and style.
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 Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Race to the River’s Edge by Alan Lee Silva, Grade 3.5 Alan Silva’s music transports you to nostalgic venues and brings with it feelings of freedom and a sense of home. “Race to the River’s Edge” has us imagining ourselves at a time of more simple joy! This new work has all the trappings of a Silva masterpiece!
Tessellations by Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 2.5 Sean O’Loughlin cobbles together a tapestry of sounds for this new work for the developing String Orchestra. Written in 3/4 with rhythmic accents, this is a great introduction to both 3/4 and triple meter feel. A cinematic and exciting addition to your next String concert program!
Emerald Sky by Larry Clark, Grade 1 This fun new ballad from composer Larry Clark is written perfectly for the young String Orchestra. Engaging parts and lines across the ensemble will make this one they ask to play over and over. Whether for contest/festival or regular performance, “Emerald Sky” has something for everyone.
Breaking Free by Tyler Arcari, Grade 0.5 Written to describe the feeling of waking up after an annoying dream, “Breaking Free” is an intense concert opener. With semi-lyrical writing in the middle of the work, students will have an opportunity to show off their musicianship as well as their strong, aggressive playing.
Base-six (A Senary Quest) by Laura Estes, Grade 0.5 A bold and dynamic piece for the beginning String Orchestra’s first concert from composer Laura Estes. Drawing from her many years of teaching beginners, Laura has crafted a piece that students will love and their parents will not believe how great they sound at their very first concert. The title is derived from the use of only the first six notes of the E minor scale, clever!
About the Authors: 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!
You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To by Cole Porter/arr. Scott Ragsdale, Grade 3.5 A superb vocal chart with big band on a great jazz standard. The cut-time tempo is around 92 BPM. The vocal range is from G below middle C to third space C, plus there’s some unison scat with the saxes, too. Lead trumpet range is to written A above the staff. An exciting and very effective chart for your featured vocalist.
Full House by Wes Montgomery/arr. Mike Kamuf, Grade 3.5 Tenor sax and trombone state the melody in this swinging jazz waltz before the arrangement moves into two solo sections for winds and a drum feature. An interlude builds into the reprise of the melody. An outstanding chart!
The Upsweep by Alan Baylock, Grade 3.5 This chart is a very hip funky rock with a driving groove. Played around 92 BPM. Solos are provided for trombone 1 and alto 1. Lead trumpet range is to written G on top of the staff. This chart will really work best with electric bass and piano. The band will dig it!
Midnight Creeper by Lou Donaldson/arr. Terry White, Grade 1.5 A funky-rock groove on a great jazz tune played around 112 BPM. Suggested solos provided for trumpets 1 and alto 1 with trumpet 1 range to written top line F. An excellent blues chart that is fun to play and easy to assemble.
Battle Hymn of the Republic arr. Mike Kamuf, Grade 2.5 Wow! This terrific chart is inspired by the iconic Clark Terry version featuring two trumpets with plungers. A swing chart played around 112 BPM with sample solos provided for tenor 1 and trumpet 2, a hot sax soli, a stop-time shout chorus with bari sax setting the groove. Check this fine chart out!
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 Choral Playbook: Warm-Ups, Rounds, Rehearsal Strategies, and More to Spark Joy and Connection by Anna Wentlent Place student joy at the center of your curriculum with this practical resource for singers of all ages. With over 80 exercises that teach ensemble skills in an informal, playful manner, this thoughtful collection is filled with opportunities for movement, connection, student agency, and more. Includes physical and vocal warm-ups, solfège patterns, rounds, silly songs, and choir games, as well as effective rehearsal strategies to keep your singers active and engaged.
Sound Patterns for Mixed Voices by Emily Crocker Designed for SAB mixed voice choirs, “Sound Patterns for Mixed Voices” teaches sight reading skills quickly while singing “real music” from day one. This step-by-step method includes age and range appropriate songs with lyrics, dynamics, and accompaniment, along with preparatory exercises that are interesting, authentic, and flexible. This resource may be used with SAB beginners from approximately age 12 through 15 and for older singers with less singing experience. The sequential approach focuses on the keys C, G, and F, basic rhythms and simple intervals in the tonic, dominant and subdominant chords.
Alfred’s Sight-Singing Flashcards Supplement your sight-singing program with Alfred’s Sight-Singing Flashcards. Organized in four color-coded sets, these eye-catching educational manipulatives include solfège syllables, Curwen hands signs, common 4/4 rhythms, intervals (both ascending and descending), plus simple melodic pitch patterns. What an engaging way to introduce, practice, review, and even gamify your sight-singing curriculum. Designed to encourage active learning and student motivation. 40 double-sided cards included—that’s 80 dynamic drills in total!
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 & Classroom Music Specialists
Gnome for the Holidays! by John Jacobson & Walter Jack Gnomes to the rescue in a spectacular holiday musical! When Christmas is in jeopardy, John Jacobson’s fun-filled cast of funny gnomes comes to the rescue while telling silly jokes and causing a ruckus. Captivate your audience with a magical story of believing in the unseen and the power of music! Ideal for your winter season, this new musical is sure to bring a smile to every audience!
Star Bucks! The Musical by John Jacobson & Walter Jack Santa is preparing for his annual trip around the world, led by Rudolph and the other reindeer. But wait – Rudolph is so stressed out that his nose will not shine. He needs a sabbatical! But who can take his place? Santa hosts a musical competition (aka “Dancing with the Stars”) to find out who will have the chance to be the next Star Buck and lead the sleigh. This wonderful holiday feature will be a hit with your audience. 40 minutes.
Santa Songs (9 Jolly Jingles for Unison or 2-part Voices) by Andy Beck, Kirby Shaw, Lois Brownsey & Marti Lunn Lantz, Alan Billingsley, Jay Althouse, & Chuck Bridwell Grab your Santa hats, tune up those festive singing voices, and let’s celebrate the man with the bag! “Santa Songs” is a collection of showstoppers featuring Santa Claus at the center of it all. Perfect for young choristers and developing carolers, this delightful songbook is packed with holiday cheer. Whether you’re performing in the classroom, at a school assembly, a holiday concert, or spreading joy throughout your community, “Santa Songs” delivers a gift of musical merriment that’ll make the North Pole proud! Choose just your favorites or sing ’em all. Easily adapts into a staged musical or complete program. Titles include: “Be a Santa Medley,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Jolly Old Saint Nick!,” “S.A.N.T.A. (Disco Santa),” “Santa, Bring Me Snow,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Santa Mash-Up,” “There Is a Santa Claus (from Elf),” and “’Zat You, Santa Claus?”
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.
Alegría by Carol Brittin Chambers, Grade 3.5 Concert Band Carol Brittin Chambers’ latest concert band work, “Alegría,” is a joyous celebration of life and happiness. Drawing inspiration from the word’s meaning in several languages, Chambers’ music takes listeners on a journey of ups and downs, with moments of high energy and lightheartedness. With a nod to circus music and Latin fanfares, “Alegría” showcases Chambers’ skillful use of instrumentation, including the vibrant tambourine!
And the Lions Roared by Carol Brittin Chambers, Grade 1.5 Concert Band Carol Brittin Chambers opens with a roar (literally) in this new work for developing band. Fun, fast, and full of great teaching opportunities, “And the Lions Roared” will be a hit with both your musicians and audiences, but especially your percussion section!
Fanfare Esprit by Carol Brittin Chambers, Grade 3.5 Concert Band Looking for a thrilling and spirited musical experience? Look no further than “Fanfare Esprit” by Carol Brittin Chambers! This piece will transport you to a world of classic fanfares with a twist, featuring lush melodies and intricate rhythms. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating musical journey!
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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!
A Very Patriotic Pageant! (Songs and Sketches to Celebrate America) by Andy Beck & Brian Fisher Comical scenes and silly sendups alternate with a festive array of flag-waving songs to create the ultimate patriotic variety show! Highlights include Benjamin Franklin advocating for the turkey as our national bird, Betsy Ross’s five-pointed stars, several shoutouts to the Liberty Bell that’ll crack you up, plus a plethora of monumental dad jokes delivered by the four Mount Rushmore presidents. Cast up to 32 speaking roles and as many singers as your stage allows. The best part of all is a sincere tribute to active military and veterans in your audience. It’s 30 minutes of lighthearted fun and respectful ridiculousness all rolled into one. Program on any red-white-and-blue holiday or at any time of year! Production notes and choreography included. Recommended for grades three and up.
American Song: A Patriotic Celebration by John Jacobson & Walter Jack Introducing “American Song: A Musical Revue” – a celebration of the American spirit that’ll ignite hearts and minds nationwide! Join us on a 40-minute journey through cherished patriotic melodies and captivating original compositions by John Jacobson and Walter Jack, specially crafted for elementary students. Whether you’re planning an awe-inspiring Veterans Day tribute or a heartwarming Memorial Day showcase, “American Song” is an essential addition to your musical repertoire.
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.
EXCELLENCE IN CHORAL LITERATURE Saturday August 24, 2024 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Stanton’s Sheet Music, 330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215 Presented by Jim Gallagher $25.00
Stanton’s is pleased to announce our 31st annual Excellence in Choral Literature reading session. This session is designed to help you select concert and festival literature from some of choral music’s most distinguished composers, featuring the best in new music for mixed, treble, and tenor/bass ensembles as well as classic literature from the choral canon.
Led by Jim Gallagher, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, the Excellence Clinic is a valuable Stanton’s tradition for school, college, and community choir directors.
Registration is now open! Visit stantons.com/clinics to register, and contact us for more information.
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!
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!
Journey Through the Classics: Complete arr. Jennifer Linn “Journey Through the Classics Complete” is a convenient compilation of all 98 pieces from Books 1-4 of this popular series. The graded pieces are presented in a progressive order and feature a variety of classical favorites essential to any piano student’s educational foundation. The authentic repertoire is ideal for auditions and recitals, and each level includes a handy reference chart with the key, composer, stylistic period, and challenge elements listed for each piece. Quality and value make this volume a perfect classical companion for any method!
Journey Through the Classics: Romantic Collection “Journey Through the Classics – Romantic Collection” is a piano repertoire collection of 50 original masterworks by Romantic era composers including Brahms, Burgmüller, Chopin, Grieg, Heller, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, and many more. The graded pieces 1-50 are presented in a progressive order from early intermediate through late intermediate level. The authentic repertoire is ideal for auditions and recitals, and each level includes a handy reference chart with the key, composer, and challenge elements listed for each piece.
Journey Through the Classics: Piano Duets Featuring 58 carefully curated classical duets from elementary to intermediate, this 1 piano, 4 hands collection is a must-have for every piano studio. Features comb-binding for easy page turns. Includes works by Brahms, Czerny, Gurlitt, Lully, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, and many more. The graded pieces are presented in a progressive order from elementary through to intermediate level. The authentic repertoire is ideal for lessons and recitals, and every level includes a reference chart with the key, composer, and challenge elements listed for each piece.
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.
Calming Classical Piano Solos Sometimes you just need some soothing piano music to relax, unwind, and let go. This collection gathers nearly 40 beautiful classical favorites for the intermediate-level player. Works include: Air (from Water Music) (Händel) • Arietta, Op. 12, No. 1 (Grieg) • Bagatelle in G Major, Op. 126, No. 5 (Beethoven) • Canon in D (Pachelbel) • Clair De Lune (Debussy) • Gymnopedie No. 1 (Satie) • Lullaby (Cradle Song) (Brahms) • La Pastorale (Burgmüller) • Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathetique” (Beethoven) • Prelude in A Major, Op. 28, No. 4 (Chopin) • Prelude in C Major (Bach)• Reverie (Debussy) • Slumber Song (Gurlitt) • The Swan (Le Cygne) (Saint-Säens) • Waltz in A-Flat Major, Op. 39, No. 15 (Brahms) • and more.
EXCELLENCE IN CHORAL LITERATURE Saturday August 24, 2024 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Stanton’s Sheet Music, 330 S. Fourth Street, Columbus OH 43215 Presented by Jim Gallagher $25.00
Stanton’s is pleased to announce our 31st annual Excellence in Choral Literature reading session. This session is designed to help you select concert and festival literature from some of choral music’s most distinguished composers, featuring the best in new music for mixed, treble, and tenor/bass ensembles as well as classic literature from the choral canon.
Led by Jim Gallagher, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, the Excellence Clinic is a valuable Stanton’s tradition for school, college, and community choir directors.
Registration is now open! Visit stantons.com/clinics to register, and contact us for more information.
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.
This captivating collection features texts by renowned poets, including Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Sara Teasdale, Edgar Allan Poe, and more, set to music by contemporary composers Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, Greg Gilpin, Ruth Morris Gray, Victor C. Johnson, Penny Rodriguez, Michael John Trotta, and Douglas E. Wagner. “Poems for Two” provides the opportunity for duet singers in any combination to develop musicianship, hone vocal skills, elevate artistry, and connect with timeless literature. Audio tracks of the expressive piano accompaniments are available for download. Unlock the magic of poetry with “Poems for Two!”
Titles include: “A Dream Within a Dream,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers,” “Life Has Loveliness,” “O Wind,” “On Yonder Hill,” “The Rainbow,” “The Road Not Taken,” “The Stars Are with the Voyager,” and “Wind on the Hill.”
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Habits of a Successful String Musician, 2nd Edition by Christopher Selby & Scott Rush “Habits of a Successful String Musician, Second Edition” is a complete method of over 400 musical exercises for teaching upper-level string students the technical skills needed to play advanced orchestral music. Perfect for an entire string orchestra or solo player, this series contains carefully sequenced warm-ups, sight-reading etudes, rhythm vocabulary studies, chorales, tuning canons, and much more. It includes everything an aspiring string musician needs to build musicianship skills and then transfer those skills into the performance of great literature.
What’s NEW in the Second Edition? • Part I. Tone and Articulation: The open-string exercises and bowing variations remain invaluable tools for teaching articulation skills. The Second Edition now includes a rhythm canon for combining various articulations and new melodic exercises for developing tone, blend, vibrato, spiccato, and sautillé. • Part II. Left Hand Patterns, Positions, and Shifting: Left-hand exercises are now organized into a sequence of musical exercises and etudes that review middle level skills, extend up to the highest registers, and teach alternate clefs and thumb position. A new Intermediate Positions curriculum teaches young cellists the shifting skills required for keys with more than three sharps or flats. A new sequence of two-octave arpeggios in ten keys improves students’ range and fluency across the instrument. The Advanced Positions pages contain new etudes for teaching the chromatic scale, diminished arpeggios, harmonics, thumb position, alternate clefs, and other challenging skills seen in advanced orchestral repertoire. • Part III. Scales, Arpeggios, and Thirds: This section still has the much-loved tuning canons and chords, dominant arpeggios, and thirds, as well as one-, two-, and three-octave scales and arpeggios in all twelve major and minor keys. The Second Edition has improved cello and bass fingerings and includes bass scales with C-extensions. • Part IV. Chorales: There are now 50 percent more chorales in a greater variety of keys and from more diverse cultural backgrounds. • Parts V. Rhythm Study in a Musical Context and VI. Sight-Reading: These sections contain 185 completely new rhythm charts and sight-reading exercises with tempo markings for each exercise. This well-sequenced curriculum teaches students how to count and decipher rhythms and then transfer rhythmic literacy to melodic sight-reading in a musical context. • Part VII. Orchestral Excerpts: This brand-new section includes three pages of excerpts from frequently performed school and all-state repertoire. Sequenced from moderately difficult to expert, these excerpts are the perfect culmination of skills taught in this method and are ideal for auditions or final exams. • Additional Sectional Pages in each student book focus on technique and alternate clef lessons unique to each instrument.
Habits of a Successful Young String Musician by Sarah Ball, Margaret Selby, Christopher Selby & Scott Rush “Habits of a Successful Young String Musician” is a field-tested and musical collection of 220 sequenced exercises for the beginning string student. The companion website (www.habitsstrings.com) features supplemental resources including accompaniment tracks, start-up clinic videos, and full performance videos for each exercise in the book. These cutting-edge online components are on MusicFirst (PracticeFirst) and MakeMusic Cloud (SmartMusic).
What makes “Habits of a Successful Young String Musician” unique?
Tone is at the heart of this method. • Students begin using the bow earlier than other resources. • The familiar melodies enable students to use their ears to develop good pitch and tone. • Online videos allow students to see and hear professional string players modeling good tone and technique for each exercise.
Tonal literacy is a key focus of this book. • All four open strings are introduced early. • New notes are introduced with clear fingerboard diagrams and pictures next to the staff. • New keys are taught by highlighting notes affected by the new key signature.
Rhythmic literacy exercises will have your students counting and reading independently. • Long notes and rests are introduced early so students learn to count and subdivide. • Melodies in 3/4 appear early and often. • Nine pages of sight-reading exercises develop stronger tonal and rhythmic literacy skills.
Quality content includes: • High-quality photos of excellent hand positions to help students develop great technique. • A diverse repertoire of classical and folk melodies from around the world. • Warm-up pages with scales, arpeggios, tuning canons, bowing variations, and other great tools for introducing, teaching, and reinforcing skills.
Online resources (www.habitsstrings.com) include instructional videos by professional string coaches to reinforce instrument position, left-hand set-up, bow hand technique, hooked bows, slurs, developing good tone, as well as shifting and positions in the lower strings.
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!
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.
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!
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!
Don’t miss these favorite selections featured on the Stanton’s Reading Session at the 2024 String Teacher Workshop at Ohio State University. The workshop runs from Sunday July 7-Saturday July 13 and is available in TWO formats: IN-PERSON or ONLINE ONLY. Find out more at music.osu.edu/outreach/osu-stw.
The Golden Gateway by Brian Balmages, Grade 3.5 Celebrate music and its ability to connect with communities around us! This joyful work by Brian Balmages is a powerful reminder of the many ways music inspires and invigorates. Beginning with a beautiful, heartfelt introduction, “The Golden Gateway” soon takes off in exuberant twists and turns before coming to a heroic conclusion.
Shiver by Randall Standridge, Grade 0.5 Whether you are shivering from cold or shivering from fright this work for very beginning orchestras is sure to set the mood of your next Winter or Fall Concert. Using only 6 notes Randall Standridge has creatively designed a piece that reaches students at their skill level while letting them experiment with the fun technique of tremolo!
The Flow of the Tide by Yukiko Nishimura, Grade 3 “The Flow of the Tide” by Yukiko Nishimura captures the feel of a flowing tide, mainly represented through the melodic line. Layers of harmony give the feeling of the tide’s ebb and flow, the splashing spray, and the sea’s changing colors. In addition to the feel of the waves, there is also a contrasting brightness and tenderness. Your orchestra will fall in love with the many moods of this stunning work.
(De)composition by Caryn Wiegand Neidhold, Grade 2 The music is falling apart! Or is it? This creepy-crawly composition starts deep underground in the cello and bass sections with an ominous theme, soon joined by the creaking, scratching, and screeching of unearthly noises from the rest of the zombie orchestra. Skittering fingertips, scratchy ponticello, and eerie glissandi are just a few of the fun extended techniques players will encounter in this scary venture into the dissonance of music – decomposingg!
HerStory: The Piano Collection compiled by Karen Marshall “HerStory: The Piano Collection” presents invaluable repertoire by remarkable female composers across the ages. This important collection is progressively graded, suitable for intermediate to advanced level players (approximately Grade 4 to Grade 8) and also features a piano duet and an ensemble piece for piano, clarinet, viola, and cello.
Written and compiled by award-winning author and piano pedagogue Karen Marshall, each piece is accompanied by a fascinating snapshot of the 29 composers, providing invaluable insights into how they lived and composed, alongside quotes from them or about them. In addition there are suggestions of other pieces to try, personal observations from Karen Marshall and pedagogical activities and ideas.
“In Search of Inspiration” is a collection of in-depth interviews with fifteen highly respected choral conductors from around the world. Each answers a series of fundamental questions about how they shaped their achievements: How do they balance their time making music and fulfilling teaching schedules and concert schedules? How do they motivate students, manage outside professional commitments in the educational setting, and satisfy administrators?
Each conductor generously shares their wisdom and expertise, discussing memorable educational moments on the podium and in the classroom, recounting stirring experiences in the concert hall, and sharing stories about their work with historic figures in music. They also offer insights on programming repertoire and explain how they have successfully navigated a career in music.
These interviews document the through lines within the choral art – elements of performance and mentorship stemming from such luminaries as Julius Herford and Robert Shaw that connect so many of the great conductors.
A fascinating and relevant read for any choral educator, “In Search of Inspiration” explores the choral art through extraordinary 20th- and 21st-century voices whose artistry and influence will be felt for generations to come.
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.
