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

FOR MIXED CHOIRS
Singing, Bring Me by Ryan Main, SATB a cappella with percussion
A joy-filled journey through the many gifts that singing brings us! Memorable lines and contemporary harmonies are backed by energetic percussion for shaker, tambourine, and cajon. Easy to learn and satisfying to perform, this a cappella original is a perfect vehicle to help your choir start moving and expressing on stage.

Benedicamus Domino by Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano and optional trumpet
Majestic and exuberant, this quintessential concert/contest selection opens and closes with an accented Latin text theme. In the contrasting middle, a chant-like “Resonet in laudibus” softens and slows before returning to the rhythmic feel. As expected from experienced writer, Victor Johnson, each voicing is sensitive to appropriate ranges and tessitura for developing voices. An optional trumpet fanfare is included in the octavo.

Star Light by Trevor Tran, SATB with piano
It is a child’s poem to see the first star and make a wish that has been set to Music. Most importantly, the music does not get in the way. The youthfulness and hope persists. Best of all is a place when singers can step forward and state their wish, bringing the piece into more than a song – an experience. Uniquely wonderful.

Watercolor Morning by Ruth Elaine Schram, SSAB with piano
The stark black and white of winter is infused with color as life blossoms anew with the lushness of springtime. Flowers bloom, the sun shines in a sky of blue; everything changes as the air warms and we bid winter goodbye on a gorgeous “watercolor morning.” Beautiful melodies and harmonies grace this expressive original, an especially good choice for spring or year-end performances. A Learning Resource page is included.

Where the Light Begins by Susan LaBarr, SATB with piano
This is an accessible and fresh work for SATB choirs on the themes of peace and hope. Approachable vocal lines and a supportive accompaniment make this appropriate for young choirs, while the rich and universal text will also work for high school, college, and community groups.

FOR TREBLE CHOIRS
Awakening by Christi Jones, SSA with piano
Jones’ powerful SSA composition for treble choirs, based on the poem by Harlem Renaissance writer James Weldon Johnson, is both haunting and evocative. In d minor with a driving rhythmic piano accompaniment, treble choirs will feel empowered singing this fabulous piece!

Colorful by Philip E. Silvey, SSA with piano and optional cello
The quote from Laurel Thatcher Ulrich: “Well-behaved women seldom make history” is the inspiration for this moving and thought provoking new piece by Philip Silvey. There is a QR code included with the music that will take you and your students to additional SEL resources including videos from the composer to lead you and your students to find the intersection between the music and the words.

Sing Alleluia, Clap Your Hands by Sally K. Albrecht, SSAA a cappella with hand claps
Stacked vocal lines and counterpoint handclaps sound (and look) stunning! Each voice part introduces its own independent melody with claps, until everything combines in joyful polyphony. Some chordal singing and a call-and-response section provide contrast before an energized reprise leads to the brilliant final flourish. A remarkably effective concert/contest feature, newly available for SSAA groups.

FOR TENOR/BASS CHOIRS
Journey On by Derrick Fox, TTB with piano
This music, with lyrics by the composer, speaks to the impact of relationships that we build throughout our lives. It is an excellent outlet for communicating emotions and gives your tenor/bass choirs an opportunity to explore a text that moves beyond stereotypes.

Lift Your Eyes to Light by Kyle Pederson, TBB with piano
Given everything our communities, choir, and world have experienced recently, we could all use a bit of light. This music encourages us to tend to our hearts and to others, remembering that each of us has the power to bring light into our own lives-and into the lives of others.

Find all of our Five Star Features for Fall 2022 on our website, and 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.

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!