Check out this Middle School listicle. (You won’t believe #12.)
As MusicSpoke travels to various conferences and conventions around the country, the question we get asked more than any other is, “Do you have any good music for Middle School?” Finding Middle School rep that isn’t either too saccharine or too complex is a challenge. We are working to make more quality Middle School music available through the platform. In the meanwhile, here are the Middle School pieces we carry that have received some attention in the last few months.
Anything that Andrea Ramsey writes is always going to be emotionally compelling and very singable for the voice. This is a great unison selection for beginning groups.
If your looking for 2 part music, Nathan Howe’s “Why Not?” is funny and engaging. Paul Carey wrote a great little affirming selection for an All State a few years ago that deserves more attention. For the rare Middle School with a large portion of Tenors and Basses, Braeden Ayres writes in a very accessible range for beginning voices.
2. Why Not? (2 part) | Nathan Howe
3. Everyone Has a Voice | Paul Carey
4. Journeyman’s Song | Braeden Ayres
If your group is advancing and you are looking for music that is mostly two-part but occasionally splits into three parts, here are some suggestions from Andrea and one of mine that includes a canon, so it’s not only tasty, it’s also good for you.
6. Gems from J.M. Barrie | Andrea Ramsey
7. May the Blessing of the Rain Be on You | Kurt Knecht
If you have instrumental resources, Andrea has one with piano and cello and another with piano and two violins that are definitely worth your time.
8. Richer for Her | Andrea Ramsey
Finally, if you have a more advanced group that can handle four-part treble music, Sean Ivory and J. Reese Norris have pieces that have been very well received throughout the country.
10. The Peace of Wild Things | Sean Ivory
11. Paper Crane | J. Reese Norris
I’ll periodically keep updating this list, and if anyone knows something I left out, please let me know, and I’ll add it in.
