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Vol. 2, No. 3 October 2014
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Dick Boyd
Choral Specialist
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This is the final of three installments of The Anthem featuring Christmas materials. If you didn't get one of the previous issues featuring sacred cantatas
Choosing Christmas or Winter Concert music is a difficult task, as there is so much to choose from with all the creative composers and arrangers out there. I've tried to pull out a few of the ones that caught my attention. Hopefully some will fill the niche for you.
Have a Merry Christmas / Happy Hanukkah, and may we all have a "gentle" winter!
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Click on an image to hear samples.
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A Wreath of Carols
Andy Beck
With selections that are familiar but not overdone, the spirit of the season abounds in this festive four-song medley that transitions seamlessly from carol to carol. Performed in just over three minutes, this piece features traditional choral arranging techniques that will showcase every section of your choir.
SATB, SAB or SSA/2 pt. - $1.95
Soundtrax CD - $27.99
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Winter's Peach
John Purifoy
Compelling dissonances and a quiet meditative mood combine with the expressive lyrics ("Silent are stars. Still is the night in new fallen snow and glow of moonlight.") to paint a picture of winter. A great contrast to traditional Christmas fare, singers and audiences will enjoy the wonderful imagery of this concert selection
SATB - $1.90
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I Love the Winter Weather (with "Ive Got My Love to Keep Me Warm")
Mac Huff
Two standards originally paired by the great Tony Bennett make a sweet and charming winter/holiday showcase for all types of choirs
SATB, SAB or 2-Part - $2.25
ShowTrax CD - 26.99
Combo Accompaniment parts - $25
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Underneath the Tree
Kelly Clarkson / Ed Lojeski
From her Wrapped in Red album, this new Christmas song by Kelly Clarkson was an instant addition to everyone's holiday playlist! Choirs and pop groups will groove to the sounds of the throwback '60s shuffle!
SATB, SAB or 2-Part - $1.95
ShowTrax CD - $26.99
Combo Accompaniment Parts - $25
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One More Sleep
Mac Huff
British singer-songwriter Leona Lewis livens up the season with this recent holiday hit that evokes the nostalgic sounds of the sixties.
SATB, SAB or SSA- $2.25
ShowTrax CD - $26.99
Combo Instrumental parts - $25
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The Nutcracker...In About Three Minutes
Tchaikovsky / Mark Weston
The title says it all. It's the story of the ballet, set to the music of the ballet, and it only takes...(you guessed it)...three minutes to perform.
SATB, SAB, SSA, or 2-Part - $1.95
SoundTrax CD - $27.99
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Wintertime
Emily Bronte / Audrey Snyder
This setting of a poem by Emily Bront� captures the introspective and quiet mood of a cold, bleak, but beautiful winter landscape. The minor key, open fifth harmonies, quiet dynamic level, and legato phrases set the tone of the piece for ladies voices.
VoiceTrax CD - $22.99
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Celtic Gloria
Daniel Rash
The traditional Irish Tune "Denis Delaney" is arranged here for treble choir with piano and fiddle. Set to the traditional Gloria liturgical text, composer Dan Rash does a good job of capturing the spirit of the Irish.
SSA - $2.05
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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Jerry Rubino
For choirs up to the challenge, this exciting setting of the popular Christmas song features extensive divisi and dynamic range, with editions for men's, women's and mixed choir.
SATB, TTBB, or SSA - $2.25
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Avanza Navidad! (Hurry, Hurry Christmas)
Ruth Morris Gray
Entirely in Spanish, this is a lively original song for your Christmas concert. Simple harmony and the use of imitation make this an easy choral work to teach, while the adorable message of "Hurry, hurry, Christmas! I can't wait one more day!" will create a fun, up-tempo selection.
SAB or 2-Part - $1.95
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That's it for the holiday issues. I'll send another set of Anthems in a few months as we approach festival time. As always, if none of these selections work for you, just give me a call at 314-942-3088 or email me at choral@mrmusicinc.com and I'll help you find something that will work for your group. Have a great holiday season and I look forward to talking with you soon!
Dick Boyd, Choral Specialist |
 Thank you for your support, and we look forward to helping you in the new school year!
Your M-R Music Staff: Jeff, Dick, Mark, Cindy, and Kevin Choral Music direct line: 314/942-3088 General line: 314/291-4686 Fax: 314/621-4166 |
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