recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists

Be a Light arr. Tim Hayden, SATB with piano
“In a world full of hate, be a light.” These words strike a meaningful chord about our power to affect change in the world. And the memorable Music of this 2020 track creates a moving ballad for our times. Recorded by Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, and Keith Urban, this anthem of hope holds a significant message. Highly effective in virtual or live performance!

Forever Young arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional combo
Covered countless times by artists around the globe, Bob Dylan’s seminal work was originally composed as a lullaby for his eldest son Jesse, bestowing wishes and blessings upon him. As a choral, “Forever Young” works especially well as a adulatory song for graduations!

All the Way Home by Sarah Quartel, SATB with piano
With a text by the composer, this work was originally inspired by members of the Radcliffe Ladies’ Choir and their motto “friendship through singing.” The lilting vocal lines are subtly underpinned by a delicate piano accompaniment, and the opening performance direction, “contentedly rocking,” describes the overall nature of the piece: peaceful, content, and easy-going.

I Will Remember You (Medley) arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Here is the perfect graduation medley. “I Will Remember You”, “I Hope You Dance” and “I’ve Had the Time of My life” reflect on all of the best memories. There are logical places to feature your best soloists or cover these moments with the ensemble. End of year concerts are also great places for these great pop songs.

I Remember by Sarah Quartel, SAB with piano
“I Remember” sets a text reflecting on the wonder of the natural world and the people who shape our lives. The stirring melody calls to mind the folksong tradition, and is underpinned by a gently flowing piano accompaniment. The middle section brings a contrast of tonality, with the altos and baritones accompanying the sopranos’ melodic line, before the beguiling melody of the opening returns to bring the setting to a poignant close.

Memories arr. Andy Beck, SATB with piano
Maroon 5 has perfected their pop song template – a catchy tune, memorable hook, and genuine, relatable lyrics. Toss in hints of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” and you have an undeniable hit. This well-crafted arrangement sets a few accompanimental guitar figures in the voices, and offers some subtle text adaptations for all occasions. It’s a perfect choice any time, but especially effective for end-of-year events, marking a changing era with heartfelt emotion.

Seeking Light by Brandon Williams, SATB with piano
With a text inspired by the full life of a relative and music that is lush this is an uplifting anthem for community and college choirs. Featured at the virtual 2021 ACDA National conference, collegiate reading session, this inspirational anthem will brighten any concert.

The Gift to Sing by Marianne Forman, SSAA with piano
Winner of Honorable Mention in the 2020 King’s Singers New Music Prize, Marianne Forman’s sparkling music sets James Weldon Johnson’s text about singing through adversity: “…and if the way grows darker still, shadowed by Sorrow’s somber wing / with glad defiance in my throat, I pierce the darkness with a note, and sing… / …no nights are dark, no days are long, while in my heart there swells a song, / and I can sing.” Deeply encouraging, and suitable for a variety of performance situations, especially as choirs work through the events of 2020.

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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.

Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years and a former church choir director of 20 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!