Challenge Yields Change

"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."
                                                       -Fred DeVito

It's important to introduce our students to music that will motivate them to grow as musicians and individuals. Finding pieces with just the right amount of challenge can be difficult, however, as there's often a fine line between too challenging and not challenging enough. The music below addresses this balancing act by incorporating musical aspects that will stretch your singers while also inspiring them to reach for heightened levels of musical artistry.


The Choir Invisible
Carson Cooman

Bold musical lines and expansive harmonies distinguish Carson Cooman's powerful and introspective setting of this well-known George Eliot text. So shall I join the choir invisible whose music is the gladness of the world.

SATB



Remember
Victor C. Johnson

Victor Johnson presents wonderful moments for expressive singing and artistic phrasing in Remember. Cascading sixteenth note motifs and a rich harmonic palette unite the musical fabric and amplify the image-laden text. Then in a rising melody, the songs of earth called out to me ... and music flowed from my heart again.

SATB 



Upon a Wheel of Cloud
J.D. Frizzell

A dazzling showpiece for mature ensembles, J.D. Frizzell's masterful choral writing frames a classic Emily Dickinson poem in this dramatic setting. Upon a Wheel of Cloud begins a cappella and develops into a captivating interplay of vocal lines and piano.

SATB



Three Choral Ayres
Joseph Willcox Jenkins

This set of engaging madrigals by Joseph Willcox Jenkins includes three short movements designed to be performed as a single work. Full of choral color and compositional texture, this collection is well suited for the accomplished ensemble.

SATB



In That Great Gittin' Up Mornin'
Mark Hayes

From Mark Hayes's popular Spirit Suite, this setting of the spiritual standard features uplifting harmony and inventive accompaniment that supports the text and tune. Highlight an exceptional female voice with the optional soprano solo!

SATB


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Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading. 
 

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.

New Music for Two-part Choirs

Here are some new two-part pieces for your spring concert consideration!


How Doth the Little Crocodile
Mark Burrows

A delightful musical interpretation of the beloved Lewis Carroll poem, this piece is easy to put together and is an excellent choice for a choir's first experience with part-singing. The catchy melody transitions to a round in two or three parts, giving you practical options for your beginning choirs.

Two-part or Three-part Equal Voices





Out of This World
Julie Gardner Bray

Full of stylistic variety and tonal color, this piece includes a positive message about how imagination and forward thinking sets us free to accomplish great things. I'm riding the tail of a comet, floating through new galaxies. If you're looking for me, you'll find me taking my place among the stars.

Two-part




Ripple of Kindness
Donna Butler Douglas

Artful tonal shifts with a splendid modulation grace this effective piece for young voices that features a meaningful text reflecting on how we all play a part in spreading joy and goodwill as we each make a difference in building a better world.

Two-part





Go Down, Moses
Russell Robinson

Elegantly set to bring out the best in young voices, this cool jazz, laid-back treatment of a favorite spiritual is loads of fun to sing! The repeated sections aid in quick learning and make for a great piece for any program.

Two-part

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here is a performance of Linda Spevacek's"Irish Blessing."

"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

For more information on this piece, click here or on the cover image above

A Bucket and Some Boomwhackers

In this video, Mark Shelton plays an excerpt of "Strange Asparagus" from his popular collection, Give Me a Bucket. Enjoy!

Grades 4–8 • Music education meets the vibrant energy of street musicians in this accessible collection for bucket ensemble. Mark Shelton brings you a dozen arrangements utilizing buckets, pails, and drumsticks. In addition to guiding you through the process of setting up your bucket ensemble, this collection includes teaching and performance tips, some simple choreography, and performance tracks.

To order or for more information, visit www.lorenz.com

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Mark Shelton has presented hundreds of arts-in-education performances as a percussion soloist and as leader of the world music ensemble, Tin Roof Tango. From the early days of his career as Visiting Artist at Coastal Carolina Community College to his current work as a soloist, clinician, sideman, and entrepreneur, Mark has created programs, products, and educational services for a variety of ages. The author of Give Me a Groove from Heritage Music Press, Mark has also published articles in Percussive Notes, Activate!, Dulcimer Players News, and Worship Musician. 

Festival Music for the Middle School Choral Classroom

by Mark Jauss, Advertising Associate and Choral Director

Last month, I put together a blog post that highlighted secondary selections that would bring the festival experience to your high school choral classroom. This post is a follow-up to that post and includes selections for middle school choirs. All of the pieces below have been performed in a variety of festival settings and will recreate this transformative experience in your middle school choral classroom. Enjoy!


Bonse Aba
Victor C. Johnson

Sizzling with celebratory energy, this African folk song loosely translates: "Those that sing have the right to be called the children of God." Hand drum, djembe, and shaker add authentic flavor and opportunities for improvisation, and the vocal parts are repetitive and easy to learn.

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, SATB, SSA, and TTB


Here is a performance by the 2011 Nashua All City Middle School Chorus...

Cantate Deo
G. F. Handel/Becki Slagle Mayo

Becki Slagle Mayo creatively adapts the Hornpipe movement from Handel's Water Music Suite for voices. Complete with original text, contrapuntal texture, and imitative vocal lines, this festive choral gem is sure to make an impact.

Two-part and Three-part Mixed




I Hear America Singing
André J. Thomas

This stunning selection is the perfect attention-grabber for the beginning or conclusion of a concert. Quoting the traditional spiritual Walk Together, Children, André Thomas creates an energetic and rhythmic experience that will make choirs of all shapes and sizes feel successful.

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, SATB, and SSA



Here is a mass choir performance from the 2010 St. Olaf College Choral Day...

She Sings
Amy F. Bernon

The haunting yet whimsical quality of this piece is truly refreshing. Centered around a child who loves to sing during the day and at night "cries for those who have never loved and for those who never sing," this endearing selection will stir the emotions of the audience.

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, SATB, and SSA



 Here is a performance by the 2009 IMEA Middle School Honor Choir...

Oh, Won't You Sit Down?
Greg Gilpin

Greg Gilpin works his magic with this absolutely infectious arrangement! Through the use of rounds, vocal ostinatos and dynamic contrasts, all will be instantly engaged in this energetic and fun-filled work.

Three-part Mixed, Two-part, and SATB




 Here is a performance by the 2008 GMEA All State Middle School Mixed Choir...

____________________________________________

Mark is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, OH, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting. 

 

Before coming to Lorenz, Mark was the director of choirs at both Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL, and Monroe Jr./Sr. High School in Monroe, OH.  Mark is also currently the director of the KCC Concert Choir, an advanced treble choir within the Kettering Children’s Choir organization. The group has toured extensively, and recently sang in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and with the South Cape Children’s Choir and various performing ensembles on a tour throughout South Africa. In the Spring of 2015, Mark also had the privilege of preparing the choir for performances of the Britten War Requiem under the baton of Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. In addition, Mark has been the music director at his church since the age of 18, and regularly travels throughout the country giving workshops on conducting and worship leading. 
 

Mark is the blessed husband of Jennifer and proud father of Michael and Ellie.