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
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).
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!
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!
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.
Choral Charisma: Singing with Expression by Tom Carter “Choral Charisma” presents an accessible yet comprehensive approach to singing with expression. Written for directors, singers, and teachers at all levels, the book presents techniques and insights empowering the reader to bring even more humanity to their craft. The heart, mind, body, and spirit can play together to make singing even more fulfilling – for you and your audience.
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.
Beyond the Notes: Thoughts on Meaningful Music Making by Paula A. Crider After more than fifty years as a music educator and conductor, the legendary Paula Crider has experienced it all – the lows and the highs, the messes and the magnificence of teaching music at all levels. With love, wit, and sincerity, she now shares her hard-earned wisdom in this must-read for anyone who teaches music.
There is something here for educators on every leg of the teaching journey. Crider’s conversational narrative begins with her unconventional student-teaching experience and moves through the essentials for music educators – everything from score study, rehearsal strategies, and conducting technique to classroom culture and teacher self-care.
Not only does Crider touch on pedagogy, but she also discusses the often elusive “secret ingredients” that turn notes on the page into meaningful musical experiences.
“Beyond the Notes” proves Crider to be a role model of skill, artistry, passion, and purpose whose insight and experience will have readers returning to this book over and over.
Small Band, BIG SOUND by Chris DeVona Small bands can be great bands! “Small Band, Big Sound” is an indispensable guide for success in middle and high school band programs with students of all ability levels. It addresses the day-to-day challenges of finding and creating appropriate repertoire, adapting music for playability, establishing tone and blend with unconventional instrumentation, and rehearsing effectively with a small group. Every student deserves the opportunity to perform at their highest potential, regardless of the size of their band program. This text is designed to prepare music educators with readily accessible tools to create those experiences.
Highlights include: • An overview of available flex band music and how to select the most appropriate format for your ensemble • Several model ensembles showing how to assign parts for maximum effect with flex band music • An illustrated step-by-step guide to creating your own flex band music • A model for creating custom arrangements, including multiple worked-out example excerpts • Suggested repertoire resources for finding and choosing appropriate music to arrange • Tips and tricks for adapting and modifying music to be playable by smaller groups • Discussion on establishing tone quality and blend with irregular instrumentation • Information on designing and rehearsing small marching band programs
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!
Transforming Choral Singing: An Activist’s Guide for Choir Directors by Charles W. Beale Choral conductors and clinicians often focus on honing the technical and artistic elements of their choir’s performance, but what is the true purpose of choral singing? Choral performances sound beautiful, but they also tell stories, “say something” to someone, and create change in them. In that fundamental sense, they are always activist.
In “Transforming Choral Singing: An Activist’s Guide for Choir Directors,” author Charles W. Beale draws from his nearly 20 years of leading major choirs in the LGBTQIA+ choral movement internationally as well as his long experience as a singer, organist, conductor, and educator to put forth a new vision for choral singing: to move audiences and change the world.
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.
In this volume, noted scholar Dennis Shrock argues that expressive performances which transcend mere technical precision – correct notes, rhythms, and articulations – will generate renewed interest in the musical masterpieces of the past.
Using primary source quotations and music excerpts from the Medieval through Modern eras, Shrock explains how to perform historic music authentically and artfully, revealing its innate nature as intended by the composer.
In this way, the music of past eras – like its counterparts in visual art and architecture – may be “restored” to its original state and appreciated by performers and audiences alike, ensuring its continued relevance and rightful place on concert programs for generations to come.
A balance of scholarship and practical performance tips, “Music Is More Than Technique” is a must-have reference for conductors of school, community, and professional ensembles.
The Music Teacher’s Guide to Recruitment and Retention by Angela Ammerman Successful music educators from rural, one-light towns and bustling cities provide innovative methods for recruiting and retaining students. From elementary ukulele ensembles to high school bands, orchestras, and vocal ensembles, the strategies within these pages will greatly assist in building a successful music program from the bottom up. The ideas in this highly engaging text will have your program bursting at the seams with eager and dedicated student-musicians.
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.
Like the other books in the World Music Initiative series, this collection provides important historical and cultural context for each song or game, along with photographs and illustrations, offering a glimpse into the depth and beauty of Somali culture and its traditions.
Each selection includes notation, translations, phonetic pronunciations, and optional ideas for pedagogical extensions. The book’s companion website also features audio pronunciation guides, videos of the children sharing their songs and games, and links to additional online resources.
With themes of family, faith, tradition, and joy, the songs and games in this resource offer students, teachers, and parents the opportunity to engage with this beautiful culture and community in an authentic and culturally responsive way.
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.
Spirituals Dialect: A Practical Guide for Singers, Voice Teachers, and Choral Conductors by Rosephanye Powell Rosephanye Powell’s brilliant guide helps singers sing, interpret, and express the meaning and beauty of the spiritual. While it is written as a quick reference for the independent singer, vocal instructor, or choral director, it can be a valuable resource for private voice lessons, diction courses, studio classes, choral classes, and any setting where spirituals are studied and performed – a brilliant resource provided by a world-class singer, composer, arranger, teacher, and scholar.
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.
Unleashing the Potential of the Musician’s Body (Timani: Anatomy and Exercises for Healthy Playing and Singing) by Tina Margareta Nilssen “Unleashing the Potential of the Musician’s Body” offers clear and practical tools for music professionals, students, educators, movement specialists, and therapists working with musicians. You’ll learn about relevant anatomy – in particular, joints, muscles, and fascia – and get information on how the brain and movement are linked together. You’ll find dozens of illustrated performance-targeted exercises for all parts of the body, with specific instructions for different types of instruments as well as for singers. The exercises are designed to optimize movement and make playing or singing more effortless and expressive – and through this, access more musical potential. This book also touches on subjects such as warm-ups, pain, healthy living, and self-care tips.
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.
Teaching Music in a New Age: Our Time Is Now! by Milton Allen A post-pandemic teaching environment, a new generation of students, stress, depression, anxiety and fear, and a world of pressures and still we’re supposed to teach and make beautiful music. But in all the discussion, programs, and plans, what happened to those who stand in front of the students: US? And does music even matter? It does. Most importantly, so do YOU. Through a combination of stories, parables, and research, Dr. Milt Allen weaves a Zen-like tapestry that covers a broad range of subjects, yet all coming back to those who stand in front. Whether you need to rethink, renew, recover, or rediscover, there’s sure to be something for you in this incredible journey into what really matters.
Topics include: • Dealing with fear and anxiety • How little things can pull the rug out from under big things • Understanding generational demographics for better teaching • Brain development, adolescence, music, and your students • Getting rid of “excellence” • Performance-based philosophies versus participatory ones • Taking chances • Being selfish and self-preservation • Graduate study • Persistence • Handling challenges • Plus mountains, bicycles, stuffed bears, cancer, Jeff Coffin, ANTs, hamster tales, and more
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.
Visualizing Music: An Illustrative Guide to Exceptional Rehearsals and Performance by David Kish What could a musical style LOOK like to a visual learner? Can visual images improve conceptual understanding of INTONATION, BALANCE, and BLEND? This text provides tools and techniques for visualizing complex musical ideas using simple shapes and illustrations and provides immediate resources to explain complex musical concepts in practical terms. Imagery is a powerful tool that transitions musicians from PREPARATION to PERFORMANCE – analytical to the artistic – seamlessly moving from notes and rhythms to shaping phrases and sensing music’s aesthetic beauty.
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.
Drawing from a deep well of research and years of experience, conductor and teacher Tobin Stewart identifies fourteen essential qualities of great leaders – vision, humility, and passion, to name a few – and applies these to leadership on and off the podium.
He shares candidly about his own successes and failures, and offers practical strategies, stories, quotes, and reflection questions designed to build character and develop the intangible traits of effective, compassionate leaders.
Equally suited for personal or classroom use, “Leading as a Conductor: With Integrity of Heart and Skillful Hands” closes the gap between technique and the heart and soul of being a conductor. A must-read for instrumental and choral educators at any stage of their career.
