Take a Trip Around the World! Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Take your middle school choir on a trip around the world - without ever leaving your classroom! Stanton's suggests these high-quality repertoire choices for your young singers this fall:
The authentic Zulu folk song Aya Ngena is a perfect fit for mixed and treble choirs in three parts. The multicultural groove of rhythmic choral parts is routinely punctuated by brief solos and joyful handclaps. Add the optional African percussion to truly enhance the experience.
Set in minor mode, Kimineero, a popular folk ballad from Nova Scotia, is a perfect choice to spice up your concert programs for young and developing choirs. Ostinati and a chorus of nonsense syllables add to the fun in this creative programming gem that is terrific for teaching diction and dynamics.
Korobushka is a famous Russian folk song that tells the story of a peddler and a girl in a spirited setting that your developing singers will love to sing! The two banter back and forth alternating with a dance-like vocal interlude. After a grand pause, the music gradually accelerates to the final breathless “Hey!” Includes Russian and English lyrics, with a pronunciation guide. (Astute listeners will also recognize this folk song as the main theme from Tetris!)
Call-and-response style writing makes the vocal parts in Pete, Pete! engaging and easy to learn, and conga drum, shaker, woodblock, and cowbell lines lend an authentic African flavor to this unique creative programming piece. A pronunciation guide, translation of the text, and program notes are included.
Sansa Kroma is an ideal choice for middle school treble choirs. The vibrant sounds of this African game song will energize your singers through layered percussion and hand claps and call-and-response vocals.
For more suggestions, check out our video below, or contact us!