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Vol. 3, No. 4 September 2015
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Dick Boyd
Choral Specialist
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this is Dick Boyd from Midwest Sheet Music (Yes, we have changed our name). Welcome back to The Anthem, our newsletter specifically for choral directors in all fields, sacred or secular. Christmas is coming and it is so hard to think about it when the weather still feels like the Fourth of July.
As choral directors we know we have to think months ahead of schedule. Hopefully this short presentation of five of my favorite Christmas cantatas from this year (including one for children) will assist you in your preparation for this most holy season. No season inspires the juices of composers quite like Advent and Christmas. Everyone is fascinated by a mystery and the miracle of Christ's birth is the greatest mystery of all!
In addition, we've been able to track down and obtain some organ material that was not readily available in the US for several years. Kevin Mayhew publications has some great resources for organists looking for ways to add something a little different to the service. In addition to several creative hymn preludes and collections, his company has published several books in the "Last Verse" style, which provides alternate harmonizations for traditional hymn tunes. We once more have these available to us again, and you can find a list of some of these resources later in this email.
My best to you as you prepare for the Christmas season, and blessings on you as you sing this story!
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Click on an image to hear samples.
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One Silent Night
Pepper Choplin
Pepper Choplin presents each familiar element of the Christmas story through ballad-like recitations of scripture, surrounded by anthems ranging from outbursts of joy to moving moments of introspection and gentleness. Weaving familiar carols and songs throughout original music, this timeless tale emerges in a deeply moving presentation that will lift one's faith and deepen one's understanding of the profound significance of that One Silent Night. 30 minutes.
SATB - $8.95 SATB w/CD - $12.95 SA/TB Part Dominant CD - $59.95 Stereo Accomp. CD - 79.95 Split-Track CD - $94.95 Instrumental Parts - $249.95 Instrumental Score - $99.95
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A Noel Celebration
Lloyd Larson, Jay Rouse, Marty Parks
A look at the Christmas story through the eyes of those who were there, including Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, a wise man, and the aged Simeon. They share their experiences through dramatic dialogue. A blend of original and familiar carols provides a dramatic sonic backdrop for these inspiring stories. The optional inclusion of congregational singing of familiar carols ensures a meaningful worship experience for the entirety of the congregation. 45 minutes.
SATB - $8.95
SATB w/CD - $12.95
SA/TB Part Dominant CD - $59.95
Stereo Accomp. CD - 79.95
Split-Track CD - $94.95
Instrumental Parts - $249.95
Instrumental Score - $99.95
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Longing for the Light
Pamela Steward, John Purifoy
This Advent Service is based on thecalssic Evensong service, also known as the "O" antiphons as each antiphon begins with "O". They are known most widely today as the verses that form the hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". Though brief, this inspired work will prepare your church for a momentous Christmas season. 26 minutes.
SATB - $5.95 Preview CD - $15.99 Choirtrax CD - 49.95 CD 10Pak - $59.99 Instrumental parts.- $150.00 |
Sing We Now of Christmas
Howard Helvey
Howard Helvey has assembled a Service of Lessons and Carols. With recordings and prayers, the piece offers the voices of the Old Testament prophets, the angel of Gabriel, Mary, and the writers of the four gospels. Optional congregational readings and singing are included as well, to complete the presentation. 30 minutes with narration only, 55 minutes with optional scripture lessons and congregational singing.
SATB - $8.99
Book w/ CD - $12.99
Rehearsal Trax - $69.99
InstruTrax CD - $90.00
Instrumental parts - $200.00
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The Loaned Manger
A Wild West Christmas Musical for Children
Steve Moore, Rob Howard, David Guthrie
The Loaned Manger is a ton of fun as kids play stereotypical Wild West characters intent on getting their town decorated for Christmas. The publisher, Little Big Stuff, has done several humorous and engaging Christmas and Sacred musicals for young children, and has also made it easy to handle the legal copying of lyrics and CDs with their online licencing options. They also have downloadable mp3s in lieu of listening CDs, Tshirts of the show, and they even have an editable script available if you would rather disregard the intentionally twisted Old West grammar and vocabulary.
Other titles from this publisher include "In the Big Inning", "Happily Forever After", "iAM", "The Night Shift Before Christmas", "In a Galilee Far, Far Away", and "Camel Lot", among others. Click here to see their list of Children's Musical materials. All of their titles are available from Midwest Sheet Music.
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Choral Book
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$9.99
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Review Pak (Book/CD)
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| $90.00 | Director's Resource Kit
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$69.95
| | Listening CD | $16.99 |
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Kevin Mayhew Music is a publisher in England that specializes in both educational music and sacred organ music. For a long time their works were distributed by Mel Bay in the US, but when that partnership ended so did ready access to the Kevin Mayhew organ library.
Thankfully, someone else has picked up the ball to distribute the publications of Kevin Mayhew Music in the US again. His most notable contribution to organists is his "200 Last Verses" collections, incorporating new harmonies to traditional hymns to keep the congregation engaged. They publish several season collections as well, and we have started stocking them again. Download the PDF flyer to take a look at just a few of the many collections available, and click the links in the documents to see more information. As always, you can call us any time to get further details on this or any other work from the Kevin Mayhew Music publication library.
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Thanks for taking the time to read this. If none of these works fit your bill, give me a call at 314-942-3088 or email me at choral@midwestsheetmusic.com and I'll help you find something else that will work for you. Future issues of The Anthem will cover secular works, octavos, and new reference materials to help you thrive in your role as a choral director. It's a pleasure to work with you and I look forward to helping you further.
Dick Boyd, Choral Specialist |
 Thank you for your support, and we look forward to helping you in the new school and church 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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