Joanna Habermann & Jennifer Lowry, Jr. High / Middle School R & R Co-Chairs

These tried and true selections work so well for young singers that they may become standbys in your annual programming, if they aren’t already!

RENAISSANCE GEM

Non, Nobis Domine – William Byrd, arr. Bartle – SSA

Teach the whole choir each line; this is just a canon! It’s great for practicing pure vowels and sustained phrases. The alto line works for some early cambiata voices. The S1 & S2 lines could be doubled down the octave if you have strong trebles but only a few changed voices. 

BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM

Lift Every Voice and Sing – J. Rosamond Johnson, arr. Dilworth – many voicings

The poetic lyrics of this song reference both some of the darkest moments in our country’s history and the hope that springs from raising our voices in singing a glorious melody together. In addition to unpacking the historical context and continued relevance of this song, students will enjoy watching contemporary performances, including those at recent Super Bowls, where this song has been steadily gaining popularity. 

WINTER CLASSIC

The Sleigh – Richard Kountz, arr. Riegger – many voicings

This song is classic fun from 1926, yet it still feels fresh. Make the A phrases light and staccato and contrast them with legato B phrases for a dramatic lesson in articulation. Take the tempo as fast as you can manage and have fun feeling the winter wind as you bounce along in the sleigh. This song sounds much harder than it really is, but it does require a good accompanist. 

CHRISTMAS PARTNER SONG

Night of Silence – Daniel Kantor, arr. Ferguson – unison partner song with “Silent Night”

There’s nothing better at Christmastime than “Silent Night,” and “Night of Silence” is still its best partner song. If your students study different foreign languages, try featuring groups of students singing “Silent Night” in each of the languages they are learning. Alternate or layer verses of “Night of Silence” and you’ve got an easy and gorgeous medley.

MOST “POPULAR” MUSICAL

Wicked Choral Medley – Stephen Schwartz, arr. Huff – 2-pt and 3-pt mixed

Wicked Choral Highlights – Stephen Schwartz, arr. Brymer – SSA, SAB & SATB

Wicked, the movie, opens in theaters in November, 2024! “It’s time to try defying gravity!”

FESTIVAL SELECTIONS

J’entends Le Moulin – Arr. Emily Crocker – Two part, SAB or SA(T)B

Hear the steady sound of the mill wheel in this brisk setting of the French Canadian folk song, which uses alternate French and English text. “I hear the windmill, tick-a tick-a tack-a…” Use the pronunciation guide on the inside cover or the Teaching P/A CD to practice the French lyrics. This is easy and fun to sing!

Festival Sanctus – John Leavitt – multiple voicings

A long-time favorite on the festival circuit, this dynamic, exciting, joyous selection surpasses the ordinary! Syncopated rhythms and changing meters, combined with a sizzling piano part, make this a uniquely rewarding work. Very accessible for school and church choirs, it is a first-rate choice for any performance situation!

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep –  Laura Farnell – SATB or SSA

This is a piece with beautiful lines where each voice gets to shine at different times throughout.  Optional C instrument/violin adds so much dimension. 

FUN WITH CHOREOGRAPHY

Swinging on a Star – Jimmy Van Heusen, arr. Gilpin – 2pt, SSA, 3-pt mixed

Your choir will have a lot of fun with this humorous pop novelty hit from the ’40s. This arrangement has a relaxed swing feel, a hint of jazz harmonies, and crazy lyrics that make it an ideal lighter selection or show choir feature! Choreography suggestions are included.

EACH VOICE PART WILL SHINE

Windy Nights – Cynthia Gray – 3pt mixed, 2- or 3-pt or SSA

A dramatic poem by Robert Louis Stevenson is the inspiration for this intense, exhilarating work, which portrays the poet’s childhood fear of storms. The music aptly captures the sound and excitement of a stormy, windy night, which the text likens to a riding horseman and the pounding of his horse’s hooves. Excellent editorial notes provide fascinating background about this poem and its famous author. This is wonderful poetry and accessible music for developing choirs!