recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
Sight Reading Success for TB Choirs by Stan McGill & Morris Stevens This choral sight reading resource is designed to help the secondary choir students improve their music literacy skills. With 150 TB exercises divided into 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 measure sets, even beginning groups can develop advanced skills over a relatively short period of time. The exercises are also available as a download for projecting to a screen or distributing to students via print or tablet as well as reference audio played on a keyboard.
About the Author: 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.
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral & Classroom Music Specialist
Purposeful Play: Small Group Games and Learning Centers for General Music by Danielle Bayert Built on the educational theory that children learn best when at play, this creative resource is chock full of games, games, and more games. Print and assemble musical board games, jigsaw puzzles, dominoes, dice, and more, from the included full-color large-size PDF templates.
Whether you use the activities for small group instruction, centers, or whole class fun, your students will fully engage in familiar games cleverly adapted to music class curriculum. Practice reading treble clef, bass clef, beginning rhythms, musical terms and symbols, solfège, hand signs, instruments of the orchestra, and more – all while you’re at play! Thirty games in all, recommended for grade 2-5.
About the Author: 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.
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
SingCircle Voiceworks: 111 Rounds for Singing by Heart by Edward Caswell & Peter Hunt Suitable for groups of all ages and experience levels, “SingCircle” provides choral leaders with everything they need to facilitate inclusive and satisfying group singing. This unique collection of rounds spans centuries of accessible material from the medieval period to the present day, drawing from a range of musical traditions and offering the chance to explore singing in different languages. The progressive structure allows confidence to grow with the repertoire, which stretches from unison songs and rounds to rich extended part-singing, and singers are encouraged to learn by rote. There is music from diverse voices and communities – with well-established classics sitting alongside new compositions – and to suit a variety of settings.
About the Author: 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.
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral & Classroom Music Specialist
Meow! The Musical: The Most Excellent and Remarkable Tale of Rover and Mewliet by John Jacobson & Walter Jack Join John Jacobson and his feline friends. One particular kitten by the name of Mewliet (as in Juliet) comes to the group with a problem. Her friend, who has a huge admiration for cats and their ability to climb trees, would like Mewliet to teach them how to climb a tree like a cat. The other cats are eager to help until they find out that the friend’s name is Rover and is, in fact, a dog! In the course of the musical, the cats, Rover, and his canine pals, come to realize that maybe if they got a different perspective, say from the top of a tree, things might look different, and we all might get along.
This musical is a treasure trove for teachers, including a comprehensive guide with a script, piano scores, and reproducible vocal and lyric sheets. With your purchase, you’ll also receive a digital download packed with projectables (lyrics/notation), videos (lyrics/notation/choreography), vocal and accompaniment tracks, and the teacher guide in digital format.
About the Author: 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.
Children will be swept up in the snowy fun as they sing along to this classic tune. Beautifully brought to life with Kian Sylvester’s vibrant illustrations of Civil War soldiers reuniting with their families for a Thanksgiving celebration, this retelling showcases America’s rich diversity and captures the joy of coming together.
Like the other folk song picture books in the series, “Over the River and Through the Woods” includes the song’s history, notation, and a link to a free MP3 download of the song. Another winner collected by John M. Feierabend!
The Nutcracker by Denae Konynenbelt When Clara receives a special Christmas gift, strange and wonderful things begin to happen. Join Clara’s journey through snow and candy canes to the Land of Sweets with her Nutcracker prince in this re-telling of the Nutcracker story!
This storybook is an adaptation of “The Nutcracker” story featured in Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet. Combining an entertaining story, illustrations, and Tchaikovsky’s music, this book encourages expressive reading and helps build vocabulary. This storybook may also be used as an introduction to “The Nutcracker” in your classroom. The digital download pack grants you access to the storybook read by the author.
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author: 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.
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral & Classroom Music Specialist
Poems, Props & Play with Personality: 30 Lessons featuring Kid-Lit, Movement, Poems, and Play-alongs by Katie Grace Miller From high-low sharks and other kid-lit lessons to KidStix Station play-alongs and active-listening with movement and props, Katie Grace Miller has packed her personality, and years of experience, into this practical and wide-ranging resource. Along with detailed lessons, Katie shares how she presents them successfully in her classroom. Download access to full-color visuals and other support materials is also included with the book.
About the Author: 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.
Discovery Jazz Collection Titles include: “Basic Basie,” “Basin Street Blues,” “Blues for Mr. B,” “Down for the Count,” “Fast Break,” “Hangin’ In,” “Here’s That Rainy Day,” “How High the Moon,” “Louie, Louie,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Satin Doll,” “Stand by Me,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and “Woodchopper’s Ball.”
Easy Jazz Classics Enjoy great flexibility with the Easy Jazz Ensemble series! Playable with 4 saxes, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and rhythm. Titles include: “Birdland,” “Born to Be Wild,” “Eli’s Comin’,” “Here, There and Everywhere,” “How High The Moon,” “Malaguena,” “A Night in Tunisia,” “Peanut Vendor,” “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “A String of Pearls,” “Summertime,” “Take The A Train,” “Watch What Happens,” and “Yardbird Suite.”
Easy Jazz Favorites Enjoy great flexibility with the Easy Jazz Ensemble series! Playable with 4 saxes, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and rhythm. Titles include: “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “All the Things You Are,” “Blue Train (Blue Trane),” “Caravan,” “Chameleon,” “Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words),” “The Girl from Ipanema (Garota De Ipanema),” “In the Mood,” “Inside Out,” “Milestones,” “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” “One Note Samba (Samba De Uma Nota So),” “Route 66,” “St. Louis Blues,” and “When I Fall in Love.”
The Best of Sammy Nestico Sammy has done a masterful job with this early jazz classic. Written specifically with younger players in mind, this one is guaranteed to boost your band’s confidence level and help them sound terrific. Titles include: “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me,” “First Wish,” “Good News,” “Just in Time,” “A Little Blues, Please,” “Martinique,” “Odyssey,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “Satin Doll,” “St. Louis Blues,” “Sugar Valley,” and “88 Basie Street.”
Swing Classics for Jazz Ensemble Titles include: “American Patrol,” “April in Paris,” “Blue Skies,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” “In the Mood,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” “Ja-Da,” “Just a Gigolo,” “Leap Frog,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Night Train,” “Satin Doll,” “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” and “Woodchopper’s Ball.”
Authentic Sounds of the Big Band Era Titles include: “Artistry in Rhythm,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “The Elk’s Parade,” “Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai),” “I’m Coming Virginia,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “My Reverie,” “One O’Clock Jump,” “Quaker City Jazz,” “720 in the Books,” “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing),” “So Rare,” “Song of India,” “South Rampart Street Parade,” and “Stompin’ at the Savoy.”
Exciting Sounds of the Big Band Era Titles include: “At Last,” “Back Bay Shuffle,” “Blues on Parade,” “Cherokee,” “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me,” “Don’t Be That Way,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “E ager Beaver,” “In a Minor Mood,” “In a Mist,” “In the Mood,” “Johnson Rag,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Taking a Chance on Love,” and “Two O’Clock Jump.”
Original Big Band Sounds arr. Jeff Hest This collection is made up of direct transcriptions of big band recordings by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. Arranger Jeff Hest has meticulously transcribed these jazz standards with the original instrumentation and has included transcriptions of the improvised solos – “Don’t Be That Way,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Sing, Sing, Sing Pt. I ,” “Sing, Sing, Sing Pt. II,” “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” and “Song of India.”
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, School Choral & Classroom Music Specialist
Pirates + Zombies: A “Scare-ibbean” Cruisical by John Jacobson & Roger Emerson “Pirates+Zombies” is a rollicking 45 minute musical with 6 original songs that brings together characters from two of Roger and John’s most popular shows! The Pirate captain books a cruise for his mates on a themed “costume cruise”, it turns out to be hosted by real Zombies! After fun laughter and an ultimate “Walk the Plank” it turns out they each learn “No One is a Monster” once you get to know them. Easy to stage and costume, fun for all ages from upper elementary through small high school.
This downloadable musical comes complete with a reproducible piano/conductor score, performance and accompaniment MP3s, reproducible script and singer songsheets, a demonstration video, video production rights, show logo art, and a license for one school to perform the show up to one year after purchase, with the option for a renewal fee if your school decides to perform the musical again. With options to combine or split parts, add or change songs, and add or change scenes, this musical is flexible to suit the needs of you and your students. Set, staging, and choreography suggestions are also included, with lots of ideas for making this a fun and successful show!
Watch the trailer below, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author: 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.
The Jazz Educator’s Handbook by Jeff Jarvis and Doug Beach The second edition of “The Jazz Educator’s Handbook” has been revised and updated by co-authors Doug Beach and Jeff Jarvis. First published in 2002 this new edition has been streamlined and modernized for the contemporary classroom. Whether you are a veteran jazz educator or a band director with minimal jazz experience this resource offers field-tested strategies to help you offer the best possible training for your students. In addition to the many printed music examples in the book there are over 150 MP3 audio recordings that complement the text available for download.
Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator’s Handbook and Resource Guide by J. Richard Dumnscomb and Dr. Willie L. Hill, Jr. Here is a comprehensive guide that opens the doors to the world of jazz education. Written by internationally recognized and successful jazz educators who are experienced at teaching jazz to elementary, middle school, high school and college students as well as to teachers and administrators. You will find realistic and practical solutions to challenges such as the jazz concept, understanding the rhythm section, jazz improvisation and jazz styles, including a great section on Latin jazz. Uniquely innovative, this one-of-a-kind handbook incorporates the web as an ongoing resource tool that provides the ultimate in reference information. The attached DVD presents audio/video demonstrations of rehearsal techniques, how to really teach jazz improvisation and how to understand and improve the rhythm section.
Rehearsing the Jazz Band by Mary Jo Papich and Ryan Adamsons This book provides one huge room where everyone can gather to ask questions on the art of rehearsing and listen to answers from people who know. It includes chapters by Caleb Chapman, John Clayton, José Antonio Diaz, Curtis Gaesser, Antonio Garcia, Gordon Goodwin, Roosevelt Griffin III, Sherrie Maricle, Ellen Rowe, Roxanne Stevenson, Steve Wiest, and Greg Yasinitsky. Includes suggested jazz charts from each author.
Use the books in the series as: • reference guides for the working music educator. • supplements to instrumental techniques and methods courses that are a part of music education degree programs. • stand-alone texts for undergraduate or graduate level jazz pedagogy courses. • introductions to jazz topics for students studying privately. • refreshers for seasoned jazz professionals.
In “Volume 1: Jazz Ensemble Auditions and Repertoire Selection,” the author takes a look at the reasons for teaching jazz in school music programs, the rationale behind the grading of jazz materials, and some of the basics to starting a jazz ensemble program – in particular holding auditions and selecting repertoire. Included with each book is online access to correlated duplicable resources in the Kjos Multimedia Library.
Excellence in Jazz Pedagogy Volume 2: Jazz Ensemble Rhythm Section by Dean Sorenson In “Volume 2: Jazz Ensemble Rhythm Section,” the author takes a look at the jazz ensemble rhythm section – the engine that powers band. Leading a jazz ensemble successfully requires not only a basic knowledge of each rhythm section instrument and notation used for that instrument, but also a thorough understanding of how to dissect and perfect the rhythm section sound and groove. This book will address those needs in a comprehensive yet concise manner. Included with each book is online access to correlated duplicable resources in the Kjos Multimedia Library.
Excellence in Jazz Pedagogy Volume 3: Jazz Theory Concepts & Practical Applications by Dean Sorenson “Excellence in Jazz Pedagogy, Volume 3” focuses on fundamental jazz theory concepts and practical applications for both performance and teaching situations. Understanding the unique elements of jazz theory is particularly important to any jazz ensemble director, especially those working with younger or more inexperienced players. It is valuable knowledge to have when interpreting scores, working with the rhythm section, and helping soloists with improvisation. Theoretical understanding is even more critical for those wishing to compose or arrange for any type of jazz ensemble – large or small.
Topics in this volume include: • chord construction, notation, and voicing • polychords • chord extensions and alterations • modes of the major scale • modes of the melodic minor scale • non-modal scales • chord/scale relationships • tonal harmony • substitute chords • modal harmony • common song forms • practical applications of jazz theory to improvisation and rhythm section performance
Part II: Conductor as Teacher focuses on the best jazz repertoire published today for beginning ensembles and provides a Teacher Resource Guide for each work. Each Teacher Resource Guide includes background information on both the composer and the history of each chart, technical and stylistic considerations, a discussion of musical elements of the work, and measure-by-measure rehearsal tips for the best jazz repertoire tailored for beginning ensembles. The repertoire covers Grade 1 through Grade 3.5.
This book is a truly significant resource for both beginning jazz educators and their students, and an invaluable contribution to the field.
This book is the ideal tool for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the preeminent music for jazz ensembles by seminal jazz composers.
In addition, leading jazz educators and musicians contribute chapters on topics such as: “Why Teach Jazz?” by Wynton Marsalis; “A Multi-Cultural Approach to Jazz Education” by Ronald Carter; “Rehearsal Techniques: A Holistic Approach Integrating Composition, Improvisation, Theory, and Cultural Considerations in the Rehearsal” by Ron McCurdy; “The Rhythm Section: The Band within the Band” by Reginald Thomas; and “Promoting a High School Jazz Band” by Ron Modell.
In addition, this book includes Teacher Resource Guides to more than 65 of the top jazz charts, broken down into developing, intermediate, and advanced categories. Each Teacher Resource Guide includes vital information on the composer, the composition, historical background, technical requirements, stylistic considerations, musical elements, form and structure, listening suggestions, and additional references.
“Teaching Music through Performance in Jazz” is an essential resource for jazz leaders at all levels and is a major contribution to the jazz field.
Central to this volume are the Teacher Resource Guides for 100 of the top jazz charts for developing, intermediate, and advanced ensembles.
Each Teacher Resource Guide provides detailed background information on the chart’s composer and its historical perspective, plus technical and stylistic considerations, a discussion of musical elements, and a measure-by-measure description of the form and structure of each piece. These Teacher Resource Guides provide deep insights for jazz leaders looking to identify and prepare works for ensembles of all sizes and experience levels.
“Teaching Music through Performance in Jazz, Volume 2” is a major contribution for jazz educators and leaders. This volume is an essential tool to enhance your teaching and your students’ understanding of jazz.
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, School Choral & Classroom Music Specialist
Shaped by Sound: Responding and Connecting to Music by Krista Hart Music is more than just sound – it reflects who we are, where we come from, and how we connect with the world. “Shaped by Sound” provides ready-to-use lessons that bring the Responding and Connecting national standards to life. With guided listening experiences, thought-provoking discussions, creative projects, and thoughtful journaling, this resource helps students analyze how music expresses emotion, shapes culture, and tells powerful stories.
Whether they’re comparing genres, unpacking the intent behind lyrics, or discovering how music connects to their own lives, students will develop critical listening skills and a stronger personal connection to music.
Get ready to spark curiosity, inspire reflection, and help students see music in a whole new way!
About the Author: 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.
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
Concert Canons: Eight Performance-Worthy Rounds by Andy Beck, Mark Burrows, Ruth Morris Gray & Donald Moore Canons to take from the classroom to the stage! Whether you’re introducing independent part singing in elementary and middle school or reinforcing that skill for high schoolers, rounds are an essential tool. This collection features concert-ready arrangements and originals that easily stack into two and three layers. Carefully edited to avoid any homophonic singing, but built with the flexibility of cued notes, if desired. Reproducible pages make it easy for singers to find and mark their individual parts. Full-performance and piano accompaniment audio is available.
Titles include: “Banaha,” “Candlelight Canon,” “Canon of Hope,” “Friendship Canon,” “Hashivenu,” “Simply Alleluia,” “Singing Peace Canon,” and “Winter Canon.”
About the Author: 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.
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
Choral Repertoire by Women Composers edited by Hilary Apfelstadt In recent years, the choral profession has become especially mindful of recognizing a broad spectrum of composers, but scholarly materials have not kept pace. In fact, a survey of the available academic writings on choral music reveals a startling lack of information about women composers.
“Choral Repertoire by Women Composers” addresses this gap by highlighting the lives and music of more than 200 women choral composers spanning different time periods and geographic locations. Their choral works – expressive, compelling, and innovative – represent a diversity of styles and are suitable for choirs of varied ages and experience. Nearly 2,000 unique works are listed in this edition.
Though impossible to include every deserving composer and piece, this timely volume covers considerable ground, spotlighting the important contributions women composers have made to choral music throughout history and across the world.
About the Author: 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.
IN PERSON WORKSHOPS WITH THE COMPOSER! Work to improve your choir’s sight reading skills with a valuable workshop with the composer, Dr. Thomas More Scott! Developing sight reading ability in your choirs helps students learn music faster, gives them more musical confidence, and makes singing fun! Dr. Scott will come work with your students at your school, and their sight reading skills are sure to improve.
Dr. Scott received his Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting under Richard Mathey at Bowling Green State University, where sight reading was the subject of his Master’s thesis. He earned a Ph.D. in music theory and composition and began composing the choral sight reading music for OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Events in 2024.
For scheduling and pricing information for workshops with Dr. Scott, please contact him directly (440-227-2696 or morzhe@windstream.net).
Rare Recital Treasures Book 1 ed. Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield & Kevin Chance “Rare Recital Treasures,” selected and edited by Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield and Kevin Chance, is a three-book anthology showcasing lesser-known piano repertoire from all style periods. This series features works by both renowned and newly discovered composers, enriching the standard teaching literature with a diverse array of hidden gems.
Book 1 spans the early-intermediate to intermediate levels. This collection offers exceptional music for recitals and auditions, along with composer biographies and valuable pedagogical insights for each piece.
My Best Performance: Piano Solos by Melody Bober Whether at a lesson, recital, or at home in front of the family, every piano student wants to give their best performance! It is always fun to have new music that motivates practice and brings enjoyment to everyone: students, teachers and audiences alike.
Art Dedrick: Pioneer in Jazz Education by Jason Dedrick Art Dedrick co-founded Kendor Music, the first company to publish professional-sounding jazz charts that were playable by students at all skill levels. This book documents his remarkable life overcoming daunting challenges to become a trail blazer in jazz education. It includes interviews with Sammy Nestico, John LaBarbera, Rusty Dedrick and others, as well as photos, news articles and correspondence with colleagues such as Doc Severinsen.
Born on a small farm in Western New York, Dedrick studied music and went on to play trombone and arrange for major big bands, including Red Norvo and Vaughn Monroe. In 1944, he was stricken with polio and had to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Subsequently, he returned to his hometown to teach music, but soon realized there were few good scores for his school dance bands to play, so in 1954, he and two other music teachers founded Kendor Music. Kendor published hundreds of Dedrick’s compositions and arrangements, as well as other jazz greats such as Sammy Nestico, Thad Jones, Phil Woods, Buddy Rich and Toshiko Akiyoshi.
In the late ‘60s, Dedrick launched the Free Design, a pop vocal group consisting of his four oldest children. They recorded seven albums, including their hit single “Kites Are Fun”, and appeared on numerous TV shows such as Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show and the Mike Douglas 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!
Solo Celebration selected and edited by Davis Dorrough This vibrant, six-book series showcases ten original piano solos in each book, bringing together the creative work of many well-known composers and rising talents. Spanning the early-elementary to late-intermediate levels, “Solo Celebration” highlights a variety of styles with fresh, contemporary elements that spark curiosity and imagination. Composers include W. T. Skye Garcia, Jennifer Linn, Kevin Olson, Wynn-Anne Rossi, and more!
Students thrive when they engage with music that feels relevant and exciting, and teachers appreciate pieces that balance creativity with solid pedagogy. “Solo Celebration” accomplishes both objectives, bringing together the collective efforts of both well-known composers and emerging talents. The works in this series explore a wide variety of styles, many with fresh, contemporary elements that spark curiosity and imagination. Rich with drama and storytelling potential, these pieces help students form meaningful connections with the music and are designed to inspire confident, memorable performances, whether at home or on stage.
Book 1 (Early Elementary) titles include: “Grand Waltz,” “Spooky, the Black Cat,” “Floating in Outer Space,” “Boss Battle,” “Peguin Procession,” “Evening Path,” “Video Game Time,” “Little Lucky,” “Game Day,” and “Sunrise.”
Book 2 (Elementary) titles include: “Pirate’s Secret Hideout,” “Come Dance with Me,” “Robo March,” “Under the Mango Tree,” “My Sasquatch,” “Tiptoe Power,” “I Like Ice Cream,” “Baseball Rocks!,” “Lost in the Labyrinth,” and “Celestial Lullaby.”
Book 3 (Late Elementary) titles include: “Blues for Mr. Gershwin,” “T. Rex Goes for a Stroll,” “Sassy Cat,” “At the Aquarium,” “Finger Fiesta,” “Prelude to a Storm,” “Crash Toccatina,” “Rock It!,” “Rodeo’n,” and “Desert Mirage.”
Jazz Harmony by Frank Sikora Beginners and advanced learners can deepen their knowledge of jazz harmony with this comprehensive textbook. With numerous practical exercises and examples, audio tracks and solution section.
The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine Written in the language of the working jazz musician, this book is easy to read and user-friendly. At the same time, it is the most comprehensive study of jazz harmony and theory ever published. “The Jazz Theory Book” takes the student from the most basic techniques such as chord construction and the II-V-I progression through scale theory, the blues, “I’ve Got Rhythm” changes, slash chords, the bebop and pentatonic scales, how to read a lead sheet and memorize tunes and a study of reharmonization that is almost a book in itself. Satisfaction guaranteed!
Jazz Pedagogy by J. Richard Dunscomb and Dr. Willie L. Hill Jr. Here is a comprehensive guide that opens the doors to the world of jazz education. Written by internationally recognized and successful jazz educators who are experienced at teaching jazz to elementary, middle school, high school and college students as well as to teachers and administrators. You will find realistic and practical solutions to challenges such as the jazz concept, understanding the rhythm section, jazz improvisation and jazz styles, including a great section on Latin jazz. Uniquely innovative, this one-of-a-kind handbook incorporates the web as an ongoing resource tool that provides the ultimate in reference information. The attached DVD presents audio/video demonstrations of rehearsal techniques, how to really teach jazz improvisation and how to understand and improve the rhythm section.
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!
Kindness: A Chorale and Fugue in the Baroque Tradition by Mark Hayes If you enjoy singing Baroque music and value the importance of kindness, courage and compassion, this new 30 minute through-composed work by Mark Hayes for chorus, soprano and tenor soloists and orchestra is for you.
Drawing from the writings of ancient and contemporary authors, the original text of “Kindness,” written by Hayes, seeks to answer the question, “How then shall we live, especially in a world that seems so dysfunctional?” The answer: live with kindness, courage and compassion. When we are joined as one in our pursuit of these values, we can make a lasting impact. To quote Margaret Mead, “Never underestimate the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world.”
“Kindness” is set in the Baroque tradition and features an original chorale tune with three separate texts, a fugue, both conventional and retrograde, recitative-like sections for the soprano and tenor soloists and extensive instrumental interludes. As a nod to Baroque masters such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel, Hayes included passages imitating “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and “Hallelujah Chorus.”
This work is perfect for high school and college choirs as well as community and church choirs. The text is intentionally not sacred, rather universal in its appeal. Imagine how the music and message of this work could join a community together in the pursuit of kindness, courage and compassion. It’s what the world needs.. now.
In “Breaking Through,” author Edward Varner helps music teachers understand the purpose of SEL, how it intersects with DEIA, and how to promote quality and equitable experiences for all students. The book is divided into three sections: • Groundwork looks at music education as a matter of equity and identifies the natural alignments between SEL and DEIA. • Avenues for Disruption offers strategies to make music education mindful, meaningful, and manageable. • Moving the Needle One Step at a Time identifies points of disruption and barriers to equity through an anti-racist lens.
Varner also explores how music teachers can use SEL to teach important life skills, including cooperation, communication, positive interactions, responsibility, impulse control, and accepting consequences, among others.
Music educators play a vital role in students’ lives and education. And through intentional SEL instruction, they empower their students and communities to break through and disrupt barriers to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access.
