News & Views Thursday, November 21, 2024

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!

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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!

Really Easy Piano: 40 ABBA Songs
40 of ABBA’s most popular hits in easy-to-play arrangements for piano, presented with background notes and performance tips for every song. These arrangements have been abridged and simplified for the beginner player, so structure and key signature may vary from the original recordings.

Titles include: Chiquitita • Dancing Queen • Don’t Shut Me Down • Honey, Honey • I Have a Dream • Mamma Mia • The Name of the Game • Our Last Summer • Super Trouper • Thank You for the Music • Voulez-Vous • Waterloo • and many more.

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The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology
You’ve memorized all the songs from the double album, now it’s time to play them for yourself! This matching folio to “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology” features all 31 tracks meticulously arranged for piano and voice with guitar chord frames. Dive into the emotional depth of Swift’s music and play along with your favorite tracks from “Fortnight” to “The Manuscript,” to “So Long, London” to “So High School,” and all the others. Immerse yourself in the storytelling prowess of Taylor Swift and bring her songs to life with your own unique voice and talent!

Songs include: The Albatross • The Alchemy • The Black Dog • The Bolter • But Daddy I Love Him • Cassandra • Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus • Clara Bow • Down Bad • Florida!!! • Fortnight • Fresh Out the Slammer • Guilty as Sin? • How Did It End? • I Can Do It with a Broken Heart • I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) • I Hate It Here • I Look in People’s Windows • Imgonnagetyouback • Loml • The Manuscript • My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys • Peter • The Prophecy • Robin • The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived • So High School • So Long, London • thanK you aIMee • The Tortured Poets Department • Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?

Also available for Easy Piano, as well as many Digital Delivery options!

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Peaceful Pop Piano Solos (A Collection of 30 Pieces)
Relax at the piano with this exceptional collection of satisfying and profoundly beautiful pieces to play. Some pieces have been transposed and simplified for ease of playing. 30 songs have been arranged for solo piano, in a relaxing style.

Titles include: “All of Me,” “As It Was,” “Blank Space,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Chandelier,” “Chasing Cars,” “Despacito,” “drivers license,” “Fields of Gold,” “Glimpse of Us,” “Hallelujah,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “Imagine,” “I’m Yours,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Life on Mars?,” “Love Yourself,” “Lovely,” “One Last Time,” “Perfect,” “The Scientist,” “Shallow,” “Someone Like You,” “Someone You Loved,” “A Thousand Years,” “Unchained Melody,” “Wrecking Ball,” “Yesterday,” “Your Song,” and “You’re Beautiful.”

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Simple Pop Songs: The Easiest Easy Piano Songs
This big collection lets even beginners play 50 hit songs from today’s top artists including BTS, Billie Eilish, Glass Animals, Selena Gomez, Halsey, Dua Lipa, Post Malone, Olivia Rodrigo, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and more. Each song is presented in the easiest of arrangements for piano and include lyrics, perfect for sight-reading practice.

Songs include: All Too Well • Bad Liar • Better Days • Better Now • Blinding Lights • Break My Heart • Close to Me • Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) • Dance Monkey • Drivers License • Easy on Me • Everything I Wanted • Heat Waves • Holy • If I Didn’t Love You • Kings & Queens • Lose You to Love Me • Love Again • Old Town Road (Remix) • Permission to Dance • Shivers • Someone You Loved • Walk Me Home • Willow • Without Me • Without You • You Say • and more.

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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.”

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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

David Bowie: The Hits arr. Patrick Roszell, Grade 3
Bowie. Some artists only need to be known and recalled by one name. This fantastic medley contains three of his biggest hits. The jazzy and funky “Let’s Dance,” the ethereal “Space Oddity,” and the ever-grooving hit, with rock group Queen, “Under Pressure.”

Stardust arr. Paul Clark, Grade 3
Written in 1927, “Stardust” has been recorded over 1,500 times and is now considered to be part of the Great American Songbook. This stellar Paul Clark arrangement includes the 16 bar introduction, followed by solo trumpet on the first verse. Full ensemble plays the 2nd verse, with a solo trumpet ending that’s as pretty as stardust. A classic arrangement of a great American standard. Perfect for adult community bands as well!

Thriller arr. Erik Morales, Grade 3.5
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” remains one of the most popular hits of all time, and this iconic band arrangement by Erik Morales captures the smash hit in all its glory. In addition to drum set, optional electric bass and synth keyboard bring the music to life.

Good Omens (Theme) arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
The quirky British television series “Good Omens” (starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen) features a suitably distinctive and appealing main theme by scoring master David Arnold. Part sinister, and part fun, you don’t have to be a fan of the series to enjoy this clever arrangement.

Music from Annie arr. Michael Kamuf, Grade 3.5
Bring the music from one of the greatest musicals of all time, “Annie,” to your concert hall. This exciting arrangement by Michael Kamuf includes three of the show’s most iconic songs, “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and “Tomorrow,” and makes the perfect closing selection for your next concert!

Theme from New York, New York arr. Erik Morales, Grade 2.5
Treat your audience to one of the most iconic songs of all time while introducing jazz and swing concepts at a very approachable level. Erik Morales has done a fantastic job with this arrangement of “New York, New York,” which requires no extra instrumentation to be as cool as the original. Perfect to showcase music from the Broadway show.

Raiders March by John Williams/arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 4
One of the most iconic movie themes ever written, here is John Williams’ classic scored for mature ensembles. This dynamic arrangement also includes a brief lyric moment from “Marion’s Theme.”

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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!

Disney Strum & Sing Ukulele
Strum and sing 60 Disney classics with this collection. Each song is presented with simply the lyrics and chords. Songs include: Baby Mine • Be Our Guest • Beauty and the Beast • Can You Feel the Love Tonight • Chim Chim Cher-ee • Colors of the Wind • Do You Want to Build a Snowman? • Friend Like Me • Hakuna Matata • How Far I’ll Go • I See the Light • Into the Unknown • It’s a Small World • Lava • Let It Go • Reflection • Remember Me (Ernesto de la Cruz) • Some Day My Prince Will Come • Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious • We Don’t Talk About Bruno • When She Loved Me • When You Wish upon a Star • A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme) • You’re Welcome • You’ve Got a Friend in Me • and more!

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Epic Pop & Rock Medleys for Piano Duet arr. Kevin Olson, for Intermediate to Early Advanced Piano 4-hands
Get ready for seven amazing pop and rock medleys to show off your piano skills with your favorite duet partner! These medleys are expertly arranged by Kevin Olson and feature the following artistes: THE BEATLES: Day Tripper, Penny Lane, Lady Madonna, Let It Be • BRUNO MARS: Uptown Funk, Grenade, When I Was Your Man, That’s What I Like • ELTON JOHN: Rocket Man, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Crocodile Rock • MICHAEL JACKSON: I Want You Back, I’ll Be There, Thriller • NIRVANA: Smells Like Teen Spirit, All Apologies, Heart Shaped Box • QUEEN: Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions • and TAYLOR SWIFT: Shake It Off, Love Story, Blank Space.

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Taylor Swift Super Easy Songbook
This collection features 30 of Taylor’s best from her entire career arranged so even beginners can sound good! Each song is arranged with simple right-hand melody, letter names inside each note, basic left-hand chord diagrams, and no page turns.

40 Taylor Swift Songs
40 of Taylor’s most popular hits in easy-to-play arrangements for piano, presented with background notes and performance tips for every song.

The Best of Taylor Swift, 2nd Edition
16 of pop/country crossover queen Taylor Swift’s best in big-note piano arrangements so beginning pianists can play her hits.

Evermore
This songbook includes easy piano arrangements with lyrics of all 17 songs from the 9th studio album by Taylor Swift and the conceptual sequel to her Folklore album. Songs include: Champagne Problems • Closure • Coney Island • Cowboy like Me • Dorothea • Evermore • Gold Rush • Happiness • It’s Time to Go • Ivy • Long Story Short • Marjorie • No Body, No Crime • Right Where You Left Me • ‘Tis the Damn Season • Tolerate It • Willow.

Taylor Swift Easy Piano Anthology, 2nd Edition
This updated second edition features 26 songs from Taylor’s career through Midnights arranged for easy piano with lyrics.

Taylor Swift for Piano Solo, 3rd Edition
The third edition of this collection features 17 of Taylor’s best arranged for piano solo. It includes songs from her eponymous debut through 2020’s Evermore. Includes: All Too Well • Back to December • Blank Space • Cardigan • Love Story • Mean • Our Song • 22 • Willow • and more.

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

Pop Warm-Ups & Work-Outs for Tenor/Bass by Roger Emerson
Unchanged, changing, or changed tenor/bass singers in middle school and high school may need a little extra help in “finding” their singing voices. Roger Emerson has developed a series of warm-ups that uses excerpts from classic rock and roll tunes that will provide the motivation and repetition they need to do just that. Each song features limited ranges, starting moderately and gradually ascending into the tenor range and descending through the bass range as needed. The professionally-produced audio tracks present each exercise with vocals so your Tenors and Basses have a model to emulate.

Exercises are based on the following songs: Addams Family Theme • Theme from “Jaws” • Jump, Jive An’ Wail • Land of a Thousand Dances • Mission: Impossible Theme • Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye • Shake, Rattle and Roll • Smoke on the Water • We Will Rock You.

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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.

Piano Songs for the Very Beginner (30 Popular Songs in Pre-Staff Notation)
Designed with the beginner in mind, “Piano Songs for the Very Beginner” features popular, easy-to-play melodies in pre-staff notation, perfect for those in their first months of learning. Arrangements consist of simple rhythms, letter names inside each note, minimal hand movement, and no page turns. This book is a perfect supplement for students needing extra playing material, with each song including playing tips and fingering diagrams. The songs are presented in order of difficulty. The written piano accompaniments can be played by a teacher or friend, or you can play along with the recorded accompaniments.

Songs include: Anti-Hero • Baby Shark • Dance Monkey • Flowers • Für Elise • Hallelujah • Happy Birthday to You • Heart and Soul • Hey Jude • Let It Be • Mary Had a Little Lamb • A Million Dreams • Old Town Road (I Got the Horses in the Back) • Señorita • What Was I Made For? • You Are My Sunshine • and more.

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

Both Sides Now arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Taken in the context of modern cultural offerings of singular musical artistic expression, Joni Mitchell’s 1969 masterpiece stands out as a touchstone of style, lyricism and theme. Roger Emerson, himself carving out a space in the late-’60s southern California rock scene when “Both Sides Now” was written, sets up the Canadian’s inimitable refrains and rhymes in a choral setting in a way that is absolutely astounding.

Big Yellow Taxi arr. Adam & Matt Podd, SATB with piano
This is Joni Mitchell’s call to action to prevent the damage we are doing to the environment. This brilliant arrangement by Matt and Adam Podd unpacks the form and repeats the line “don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone”. Appropriate for the concert stage and any concert about sustainability, the environment or any time.

River arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano and optional cello
This classic song by singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell is one of the most recorded ever, by artists of many musical styles. Appropriate for standard concerts or Christmas/Winter concerts, this “concert pop” arrangement is powerful and tender at the same time. The optional cello intensifies the longing and loneliness.

The Circle Game arr. Audrey Snyder, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Songstress Joni Mitchell is a titan among the music industry, transcending the generations with her melodies and lyrics, infinitely singable the world over. 1966’s “The Circle Game” chronicles the inevitable story of a child becoming an adult – and this Audrey Snyder arrangement is complete with fully transcribed and tuned Guitar and Bass parts.

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.

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Barbie Girl arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2
Originally a hit for the pop group Aqua in 1997, this peppy and instantly recognized tune found its way into the hit movie “Barbie” as the background track for the song “Barbie World.” Here’s a fun version for younger bands.

Barbie’s World arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
From the blockbuster movie “Barbie” comes the equally sensational soundtrack album featuring an all-star lineup of performers and songwriters. This upbeat and entertaining medley for band includes: “Barbie Dreams,” “Barbie Girl,” “What Was I Made For,” and “Dance the Night.”

What Was I Made For? arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2
From the blockbuster movie “Barbie,” this moving ballad by Billie Eilish features a tuneful melody and tender emotions. Here’s a beautifully scored setting for young bands.

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

Taylor Swift: Eras arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2
Pop icon Taylor Swift has continued to expand her popularity thanks to her “Eras Tour” across the country, and now a concert film. Here is a great-sounding medley for young bands featuring signature hits from her various “eras.” Titles include: “You Belong With Me,” “Enchanted,” “I Knew You Were Trouble,” “Shake It Off,” “Look What You Made Me Do,” “Cardigan,” and “Anti-Hero.”

You Belong with Me arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 1.5
One of the early hits for Taylor Swift, “You Belong With Me” continues to be popular with its tuneful melody and upbeat style. This fun arrangement is effectively scored for second year players.

Anti-Hero arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2
From Taylor Swift’s album “Midnights,” lead single “Anti-Hero” is already breaking records for sales and streaming on its way to the top of the charts. Featuring catchy rhythms and a memorable melody, Johnnie Vinson expertly captures the flavor of the original in this setting for young players.

…Ready for It? arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2
Taylor Swift is rockin’ the pop charts again with this monster hit from her CD “Reputation.” Here is an effective version for band featuring the gritty opening and catchy melodies.

Shake It Off arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 1.5
This recent hit by pop superstar Taylor Swift features a catchy melody that adapts nicely for very young players. Here is a solid arrangement that your students and audience are sure to enjoy.

Shake It Off arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2-3 Flex
Taylor Swift is on top of the charts again with this catchy and energetic pop hit. Even with the limited 5-part scoring, this arrangement features a good mix of melody in each of the parts along with solid writing for the entire ensemble.

Taylor Swift: 1989 arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2
At the top of her game as a songwriter and recording artist, Taylor Swift released her CD “1989” as a tribute to the sound and style of popular music in the 1980s. This entertaining medley for younger players features the blockbuster hits “Wildest Dreams,” “Blank Space,” and “Shake It Off.”

A Taylor Swift Duo arr. Michael Story, Grade 2.5
This fantastic arrangement by Michael Story is a medley of two of Taylor Swift’s biggest hits – “Bad Blood” and “You Belong with Me.” Treat your band to the excitement of performing these blockbuster hits!

Taylor Swift in Concert arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
Contemporary singer and songwriter Taylor Swift is rapidly making her mark on both pop and country music charts. Including the hits “Picture to Burn,” “White Horse,” and “Love Story,” this medley provides a good sampling of her fresh-sounding music.

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!

WISH: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack
If you’ve been wishing to play the music from your favorite new Disney musical, this souvenir songbook is just what you need! It features full-color scenes and seven songs from the soundtrack arranged for piano and voice with guitar chords. Titles include: “At All Costs,” “I’m a Star,” “Knowing What I Know Now,” “This Is the Thanks I Get?!,” “This Wish,” “Welcome to Rosas,” and “A Wish Worth Making.” Also available for Easy Piano.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!