SKU: HL.9971701
ISBN 9781458425171. UPC: 884088645380. 9.0x12.0x2.937 inches. John Jacobson/Roger Emerson.
Celebrate the American Century and the character of a nation that had become a world power and defender of freedom and liberty. By the beginning of the 20th Century, America was turning into a place where everybody wanted to be! From World War I through the Great Depression, war and peace to abundant harvests, America rolled up its sleeves and got to work. Its leaders challenged the nation to set lofty goals, and by 1969 the first American walked on the moon. Present a century of American history on stage with this 35-minute musical revue featuring 8 original songs and some traditional favorites, with connecting script and over 65 speaking parts, designed for performers in upper elementary and middle school. Available separately: Teacher Edition, Student Edition 5-Pak, Preview CD (with vocals), Preview Pak (1 Student book, 1 Preview CD, Performance/Accompaniment CD, and Performance Kit/CD (1 Teacher, 20 Student books, P/A CD). Performance Time: approx. 35 minutes. Suggested for grades 4-8.
SKU: HL.9971698
ISBN 9781458425140. UPC: 884088645359. 4.75x5.0x0.116 inches. John Jacobson/Roger Emerson.
SKU: HL.14001763
UPC: 888680008604. 6.75x9.75x0.062 inches.
Novello Voices Show Singles, (From Miss Saigon.), Adapted from the original French lyrics by Alain Boublil. Fabulous SATB arrangements of popular modern songs from West End shows and the worlds of jazz and pop music.
SKU: CF.CM8757
ISBN 9780825845772. UPC: 798408045777. 6.875 X 10.5 inches. Key: Bb major.
A beautiful choral piece, whose inspirational text by the composer encapsulates the dreams and hopes all Americans hold dear, American Hymn is destined for classic status. The broad tune, in triple time, which begins the piece, is memorable and the straightforward part writing, in all three versions, makes the piece accessible to choirs of every degree of accomplishment. Carl Strommen's combination of sincerity and choral expertise has produced an addition to the patriotic choral repertoire that will have tremendous appeal to schools and churches through our great land.
SKU: CF.CM9714
ISBN 9781491160329. UPC: 680160918904. Key: F major. English. Robert Frost.
About the work ... Few American poems are as well known as The Road Not Taken. Robert Frost, the author, is an international icon, not unlike Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill or Mark Twain in their own disciplines.The poem is full of contradictions and quirks of form and structure. Perhaps that illusiveness is part of the poem's intrigue. But beyond all of the literary devices that only a few scholars may fully appreciate, this poem has taken on a sort of fanfare for the common person credo - a challenge to individualism, stepping out on one's own, and breaking the mold out of sheer determination if nothing else. Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. The message super cedes geography, culture, race or creed. Rather, it is part of the DNA of most every person on the planet - the inner desire to feel empowered to create one's own destiny, to forge a road not taken, and ultimately in doing so, to make a difference. Rehearsal notes ... Research strongly suggests that there is a direct connection between the first rehearsal and the performance. First impressions last. I find it helpful to immediately lock three concepts into place - mechanics (notes/rhythms), text/phrasing (intent and motivation) and color (timbre). Performers need to think musically from the first reading forward (first impression). The cello is very much a collaborative instrument in this work, and should be located in front of the ensemble (not to side). Lastly, let the text speak. The simplest melodic lines are often the most exposed. Keep the voices clear and transparent, floating over the top in softer passages, and singing with vibrancy and forward focus throughout. Z. Randall Stroope A definitive recording was made by the New American Voices, with Randall conducting. This can be found on Spotify, YouTube, his website (www.zrstroope), and other social media. About the composer ... Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. His composition teachers were Normand Lockwood and Cecil Effinger, both students of the Nadia Boulanger, the famous French teacher (and student of Gabriel Faure). He is the artistic director of two international summer music festivals, is an Honorary Member of the National Association of Italian Choral Directors, and has conducted in 25 countries. He has directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, and is a frequent conductor at other prestigious concert venues. Randall has 190 published works, and his music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms, including his website (www.zrstroope.com).About the work ...Few American poems are as well known as The Road Not Taken. Robert Frost, the author, is an international icon, not unlike Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill or Mark Twain in their own disciplines.The poem is full of contradictions and quirks of form and structure. Perhaps that illusiveness is part of the poem's intrigue. But beyond all of the literary devices that only a few scholars may fully appreciate, this poem has taken on a sort of fanfare for the common person credo - a challenge to individualism, stepping out on one's own, and breaking the mold out of sheer determination if nothing else. Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. The message super cedes geography, culture, race or creed. Rather, it is part of the DNA of most every person on the planet - the inner desire to feel empowered to create one's own destiny, to forge a road not taken, and ultimately in doing so, to make a difference.Rehearsal notes ...Research strongly suggests that there is a direct connection between the first rehearsal and the performance. First impressions last. I find it helpful to immediately lock three concepts into place - mechanics (notes/rhythms), text/phrasing (intent and motivation) and color (timbre). Performers need to think musically from the first reading forward (first impression). The cello is very much a collaborative instrument in this work, and should be located in front of the ensemble (not to side). Lastly, let the text speak. The simplest melodic lines are often the most exposed. Keep the voices clear and transparent, floating over the top in softer passages, and singing with vibrancy and forward focus throughout.Z. Randall StroopeA definitive recording was made by the New American Voices, with Randall conducting. This can be found on Spotify, YouTube, his website (www.zrstroope), and other social media.About the composer ...Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. His composition teachers were Normand Lockwood and Cecil Effinger, both students of the Nadia Boulanger, the famous French teacher (and student of Gabriel FaureÌ). He is the artistic director of two international summer music festivals, is an Honorary Member of the National Association of Italian Choral Directors, and has conducted in 25 countries. He has directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, and is a frequent conductor at other prestigious concert venues. Randall has 190 published works, and his music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms, including his website (www.zrstroope.com).
SKU: GI.G-8462
ISBN 9781622771004. English.
The volume you are holding is a vivid testimony …to the value of examining this variety and dynamism from multiple, overlapping points of view …to the value of both realist and idealist voices …to the value of articulating wisdom. From the foreword by John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Since the publication of the first volume of Readings in African American Church Music and Worship, public and academic interest in the music and worship in black churches has significantly increased. This second volume makes available the most recent scholarship on twenty-first-century developments and trends, through a representative number of articles, essays, and chapters written by brilliant musicians, authors, and theologians of our time. The list of contributors includes some of the finest emerging scholars, whose voices we will be hearing for years to come, as well as offerings from seasoned authors, whose research and writings are well regarded by peers and the worshiping community at large. The significant contributions—from names new and familiar—greatly broaden the field of study. The 43 chapters of this volume are divided into 7 categories: Worship and Liturgical Practices Perspectives on Praise and Worship Liturgical Theologies Hip Hop and/in the Church Proclamation of the Word Perspectives on Women and Gender Hymnody: Sound and Sense Insightful, thought-provoking, challenging, hopeful—this volume will be a source of knowledge, a stimulus for discussion, and a call to (re)consider the many and varied viewpoints of the African American church. Featuring the writings of: James Abbington, LaTrese Adkins, Sandra L. Barnes, Tuere A. Bowles, Ruthlyn Bradshaw, Michael Joseph Brown, Melvin L. Butler, James H. Cone, David Douglas Daniels III, Robert Darden, Leo H. Davis Jr., Valerie Bridgeman Davis, Michael Fox, Kenyatta R. Gilbert, Daniel White Hodge, Birgitta J. Johnson, Alisha Jones, Tammy L. Kernodle, S T Kimbrough, Jr., Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan, Cleophus J. LaRue, Monica T. Leach, Tamura Lomax, Pamela P. Martin, Marvin A. McMickle, Monica R. Miller, Stephanie Y. Mitchem, Thomasina Neely-Chandler, Deborah S. Pollard, Luke A. Powery, Samuel D. Proctor, Teresa L. Reed, Braxton D. Shelley, Martha Simmons, Josef Sorett, Rodney A. Teal, Frank Thomas, Kathleen S. Turner, Kenneth C. Ulmer, Gayle Wald, James Melvin Washington, Ralph C. Watkins, Lisa M. Weaver, Melinda E. Weekes, Christina Zanfagna James Abbington is Associate Professor of Church Music and Worship, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. He also serves as Executive Editor of the African American Church Music Series, published by GIA Publications, Inc.
SKU: GI.G-CD-883
UPC: 747313273775.
James Whitbourn is known for his 'boundless breadth of choral imagination' (The Observer) resulting in compositions of brilliance and power. His extraordinary work for choir, saxophone and organ, Son of God Mass, receives a new recording from the young voices of one of the finest chamber choirs from Rider University's Westminster Choir College under one of the leading American choral conductors, James Jordan. It is heard alongside premiere recordings of other works associated with life and death, including the Requiem canticorum and Living Voices, a work to commemorate the date of 9/11 with a poem by Andrew Motion. The luminosity and sheer beauty of Whitbourn's composing style is brought to unusual heights by the skills of the Williamson Voices and their conductor, James Jordan. The entire album is a collection of choral music with a spiritual center. The composer's use of saxophone and organ, interweaving with those lovely young Westminster voices, attain a kind of choral glory unusual for any music, extraordinary for 'contemporary' music. The album soothes, stretches, pulls the listener to places of fascination and high emotion, captivates and can often amaze. It is an exalted achievement. — Roger Ames A truly stunning recording.
SKU: GI.G-10678
ISBN 9781622776436.
Drawing from his five decades of success as a conductor and educator in the choral field, Will Kesling has compiled a comprehensive choral methods resource that addresses every necessary fundamental for achieving artistry in the choral art. Written in clear and conversational language, this resource covers: Building a healthy and beautiful choral sound Dealing with vocal issues Selecting repertoire and programming concerts Developing score study skills and interpretive insights Understanding the characteristics of musical periods and composers Planning, preparing for, and running rehearsals The Voices I Hear also explores important but often overlooked topics, including a discussion of performing sacred music in secular education settings, techniques for performing choral-orchestral works, choral versus orchestral conducting, and how to become a true “maestro.†Individual chapters also function as standalone topics of study. A valuable read for emerging and seasoned conductors alike, The Voices I Hear is an expert study of the aesthetic, intellectual, and practical aspects of the choral art. Dr. Will Kesling is Professor of Choral and Orchestral Conducting at the University of Florida, where he has taught for two decades. He has conducted hundreds of choral ensembles and nearly fifty of the world’s finest symphony orchestras. His ensembles have received international attention for their excellence and musical expression.  Thank you, Dr. Kesling, for the decade you gave of yourself to write the most complete and comprehensive writing on the topics of choral techniques, methods, and conducting I have seen. It is in-depth yet practical, to the point of being a valuable resource for both the young conductors entering the choral field to the well-established professionals. You have given us a solid foundation in all significant areas of the choral art, including, among many others, the production of beautiful vocal tone, detailed physical vocal production, textual and physical components of English diction, repertoire programming, appropriate style, interpretation and phrasing, and a pathway to successful conducting of combined choral and orchestral forces. Your enormous and highly successful career, with worldwide performances and numerous awards and honors, has enabled you to bring validity and integrity to the entire writing. —Donald Neuen   Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UCLA   Former member of the Robert Shaw Chorale   Mr. Shaw’s Assistant Conductor with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Choruses For more than 50 years, Dr. Will Kesling has been and continues to be a prominent figure and voice in the International and American choral profession. His new book, The Voices I Hear, is the distillation of his long and distinguished career as a conductor and choral music educator. The driving and consuming passion throughout Kesling’s life is the preparation and performance of the world’s rich and diverse choral and orchestral repertoire and the education, development, and growth of those who perform and conduct it. This book is a summation of a lifetime immersed in the choral art and all its many aspects. It overflows with insights into the choral art that will not only instruct the beginning conductor but also will enlighten and entertain the seasoned professional conductor and educator. It is filled with wit, wisdom, and practical advice to all practitioners of the choral arts. I enthusiastically recommend Kesling’s enlightening new book as an important addition to the choral pedagogy bibliography and for use as an invaluable new text for choral practicum classes for both graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Kesling has brought to the choral profession significant new insights to all lovers of the choral art. —Craig Jessop   Professor of Music, University of Utah   Former Music Director of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square   and the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants Will Kesling’s book, The Voices I Hear, is practical and philosophical, useful and inspirational, focused and comprehensive. The observations and advice are based on his vast personal experiences on the podium with choirs and orchestras, and the book is a monumental resource for both the young conductor and the veteran. Containing a broad spectrum of musical styles, composers, and topics, Kesling’s direct and practical writing connects immediately with today’s choral musician. Keep The Voices I Hear nearby as there will be many times down the road where the information and opinions in Dr. Kesling’s book will answer the questions you have, as well as the ones you didn’t even know to ask! —Jerry Blackstone   Professor Emeritus of Music (conducting) and Director of Choirs (retired)   School of Music, Theatre & Dance, University of Michigan This is the textbook I wish had been available when I was beginning my studies. It is comprehensive in scope, practical and helpful in its suggestions, and, perhaps most surprising in a book from an academic, superbly written in clear and powerful English. Kesling speaks with conviction, clarity, and polish, and he finds colorful and memorable ways of making his points and presents the material from the perspective of one who has done all these things for decades at a highly professional level. I give this volume the highest possible recommendation. —Daniel Gawthrop   Composer & Conductor.
SKU: BT.PMC3865
The Two Songs on American Poems were composed in late May and early June of 2011 by candlelight at my rustic waterfront cabin on a remote island off the northwest coast of Washington State. It was in this locale that I havecompleted a number of works over the years, including the Lux Aeterna, O Magnum Mysterium, Nocturnes, Canticle/O Vos Omnes and others. Prayer was written in memory of Michael Jasper Gioia, Dana and Mary Gioia's infant son, whosebrief life was tragically ended by SIDS.Mr. Gioia served as Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts from 2003-2010 and has authored several books of poems, numerous anthologies, articles, essays and two opera libretti. Amonghis many awards are the American Book Award and Presidential Citizens Medal. He currently holds the Judge Widney Chair of Poetry and Public Policy at the University of Southern California. Sure on this Shining Night was originallycomposed as a choral piece, the third movement of my Nocturnes on poems by Rilke, Neruda and Agee. Rod Gilfry, an international star of opera, recital and musical theater, premiered the mixed duet version with his daughter, Carin,in 2009. He is Professor of Vocal Studies at the USC Thornton School of Music. Both he and Mr. Gioia are national treasures. The Two Songs are designed as a pair but may be sung independently - when paired, Sure On This ShiningNight should begin immediatelyfollowing the final, sustained chord of Prayer with no break in between the songs. Both of these songs, premiered by Mr. Gilfry accompanied by the composer at a USC Visions & Voices tribute to DanaGioia on September 27, 2011, have their roots in the American musical theater and should be sung as such.