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

Lean on Me arr. Jack Zaino, 3-part mixed with piano
“Lean on Me,” the instantly recognizable standard by Bill Withers, has been called an anthem of togetherness and resilience. Tastefully set in a gospel style, this arrangement will inspire singers and audiences alike to be a friend for others to lean on.

Butter arr. Audrey Snyder, 3-part mixed with piano
The smash hit song, “Butter,” is performed and popularized by BTS, the South Korean boy band turned international super stars. Filled with rhythmic drive, this song features elements of pop, rock, electronic, hip-hop, R&B, and rap.

I Want It That Way arr. Nathan Howe, 2-part a cappella with classroom percussion
In 2012, Jimmy Fallon started a recurring segment on “The Tonight Show” in which The Roots use classroom instruments to play pop songs with celebrity guests. These skilled musicians pull off engaging performances using instruments many people don’t take seriously beyond the elementary Music room! Nathan Howe has continued his musical genius in a cappella writing with this pop tune sung a cappella with classroom percussion. It’s amazing and fun and suitable for all ages with the variety of voicings available. The choral also includes notes on different ways to teach, learn and perform the piece and all the percussion parts are included as a free download.

Lovely Day arr. Robert T. Gibson, SAB with piano and optional electric bass & drums

Smile arr. Roger Emerson, 3-part mixed with piano
Arranged by Roger Emerson, “Smile” is a timeless classic arranged especially for treble choirs and developing mixed voice choirs. The chords are lush and sing easily with an emphasis on phrasing and line. Students and audiences alike will appreciate this beautiful arrangement.

Surface Pressure (from Encanto) arr. Jack Zaino, SAB with piano
Sometimes, older siblings have the world expected of them, no matter their feelings, schedule, or personal goals. This (literally) powerfully pop anthem from Disney’s “Encanto” will deeply resonate with older siblings or anyone who has ever had to care for and protect a loved one!

We Don’t Talk About Bruno (from Encanto) arr. Mark Brymer, SAB with piano and optional rhythm
This breakout song from Disney’s animated movie “Encanto” has become a TikTok favorite for good reason. The song is about Uncle Bruno, the creepy family member that lives in the tower that no one is allowed to talk about. Clever interplay between the independent vocal parts and a groovy bass line culminates in an overlapping texture that you won’t be able to stop singing.

Dos Oruguitas (Two Oruguitas) (from Encanto) arr. Audrey Snyder, 2-part with piano and optional rhythm
The emotional crux of the film “Encanto” stems from the difficulty family matriarch Abuela suffered in her youth against her current-day perceived failure of keeping her household “perfect,” no matter the cost. Themes of loss, love and forgiveness are explored in this beautiful, tender and lyrically delicate song.

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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!