recommended by Jen Sper and Alissa Ruth, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialists

School starts soon – are you ready?!? Let Stanton’s help you out, with some great new repertoire for your ensembles – today, here are our top choices for HIGH School CHOIRS:

FOR HIGH SCHOOL MIXED CHOIRS
And We Are the Dreamers of Dreams by Neil Ginsberg
Familiar words from Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s “Ode,” freely set with highly creative craftsmanship and expression, virtually dance off the page of this artful and unique musical interpretation. Equally effective in a single ensemble performance or a massed choir setting.

Safe With Me by Bryan Sharpe
“Though the sky is dark, though the stars in heaven can’t be seen, though the world is cold, you will be safe, safe with me.” Brilliant opportunities for teaching phrasing, dynamic contours, breath support, and general musicianship abound. The depth of beauty and sensitivity in this Bryan Sharpe original make it a stunning addition to any concert program.

I Have Loved the Stars Too Fondly by Heather Sorenson
Inspired by Sarah Williams’ poem, “The Old Astronomer,” this new concert work tells of the irony of life’s moments; of a life long lived through joy, sadness, longing, endurance, love and so many other lessons rolled into a vessel of musical inspiration. “The shadows give perspective on things already known; and the light, although familiar, was only mine on loan. I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.” Optional cello included, this work is outstanding in text and music.

Old Joe Clark arr. Dan Davison
Davison’s arrangement of the famous American folk song was written to help mixed choirs of all abilities succeed. Throughout this arrangement, the tenor and bass parts are supported in other sections to help bolster their performance. With an exciting, rhythmic accompaniment, these very accessible vocal parts still provide a flashy ending making it a perfect program closer for any ensemble.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL TREBLE CHOIRS
Count the Stars by Andy Beck
A poignant original text combined with Latin phrases from the Requiem Mass lays the foundation for this tender song of remembrance. Contemporary cluster chords, beautifully sculpted phrases, and expressive dynamics leave the listener with a sense of awe and wonder.

O Clap Your Hands by Victor C. Johnson
Johnson’s dynamic setting of this text adapted from the Psalms is the perfect opening number for concert, festival or call to worship. The opening fanfare-like section is complemented by a contrasting, legato middle section before returning to the joyous opening statement which leads to an exhilarating conclusion, complete with handclaps.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL MEN’S CHOIRS
Love Do You Hear Me Sing? by Glenda E. Franklin
Based on the work of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Over the Land Is April,” the romantic and musical text is set here for young men’s voices. This a cappella and mostly homophonic arrangement sings in keys that fit both changed and unchanged voices with a lilting 3/4 time signature that creates vibrancy in the warm and lush writing.

Roll, Jordan, Roll arr. Ruth Morris Gray
A rhythmic piano accompaniment drives this well-crafted arrangement of the classic spiritual. Singers will love the crescendoing choral riff that connects the syncopated refrains to the call and response verses. A vibrant descant grows more and more soulful toward the end, bringing the piece to a climactic close!

Find more Stanton’s Signature Selections on our website, or contact us for personalized recommendations for YOUR ensemble! And remember – shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.

Alissa Ruth began working at Stanton’s in the summer of 2016. She is a former middle and high school choir director and holds a Bachelor of Music in Education degree from Capital University. She is an active choral singer in the Columbus area, and spends her free time running, doing yoga, cooking, and watching Netflix.