Creative Programming: Around the World Friday, March 22, 2019
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
Akekho Ofano No Jesu arr. Daniel Jackson, SATB divisi a cappella with improvised percussion
“Akekho Ofana No Jesu” is an African tradition song sung by congregations across the African continent. Extremely dynamic with solos and improvised percussion. The middle section includes double choir – but the double choir is optional and simply repeats material that has already been sung. Achievable for a wide variety of levels.
Shlof, Mayn Fegele (Sleep, My Child) arr. Ryan Nowlin, SATB with piano
Here is a beautiful lullaby with words by the Russian poet Abraham Goldfaden beautifully arranged for the concert choir. Sweeping vocal lines, a lush piano accompaniment and shifting harmonies make this a perfect ballad in any program.
Arirang arr. Hyo-Won Woo, SATB with piano & Korean percussion
“Arirang,” the beloved Korean song, has been set by one of Korea’s best contemporary composers. This arrangement begins with beautiful and flowing vocal and piano lines, then opens up into an exciting rhythmic ending with Korean percussion. A great addition to any program.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR
De Prosa com o Passarim (Grandma’s Chat) by Daisy Fragoso, 2-part treble with piano, flute & optional pandeiro
Here is a whimsical song of a grandmother who can talk to the birds. Using a popular Brazilian rhythm called “chorinho” and singing in Portuguese – along with some nonsense words between the grandmother and the birds – here is a wonderful multicultural song with lots of opportunity to teach rhythm, syncopation, language and geography.
Tumbalalaika arr. Audrey Snyder, 3-part mixed with piano & optional clarinet
The title of this Yiddish folk song informs us that a Balalaika will at least be inferred in the music. This wonderfully authentic arrangement does just that. It also includes a clarinet obbligato (included in the back of the octavo) which is a tip of the hat to the Klezmer band. A Yiddish, phonetic and English text are all provided in the music allowing you to perform this work in any combination of Yiddish or English.
Zum Gali Gali arr. Victor C. Johnson, 3-part mixed a cappella with optional hand drums & finger cymbals
When developing choirs delve into this fresh a cappella setting of the Israeli folk song, they can be assured of enjoying a successful rehearsal and performance experience! The only accompanying instruments are hand drums and finger cymbals, which add authentic flavor and texture to this multicultural gem.
FOR TREBLE CHOIR
Cielito Lindo arr. Juan-Tony Guzman, 3-part treble with piano
Here is a well-known song from Mexico. The piano part resembles the layers of the mariachi ensemble which uses violins, trumpets, bass and several types of guitars. This arrangement was commissioned for “a community that sings!” to promote singing folk songs from around the world and by all levels of singers. This arrangement may be sung in unison, or with three equal treble or low voices.
Indodana arr. Michael Barrett, SSAA a cappella
This highly dramatic traditional African song is a true musical gem, presented a cappella at a slower tempo. Arranged by two South African composers, the ethnic flavor is palpable as a small ensemble carries the melody and the lower voices provide the harmonic underlay. Translation and pronunciation notes are provided.
Scarborough Fair arr. Thomas Juneau, 2-part with piano and optional finger cymbals & hand drum
Made popular as both a folk song and a pop song, this 2-part arrangement of the traditional English folk song is a wonderful tool for teaching part singing. The hand drum and finger cymbal parts add to the style and create a wonderful opportunity to teach rhythm reading. The lush piano accompaniment is independent when it can be and supportive when it needs to be.
FOR TENOR/BASS CHOIR
Kye Kye Kule arr. Greg Gilpin, TB a cappella with percussion
With lively African percussion parts and a straightforward, modular, call-and-response style, this authentic folk song arrangement pulls together in a snap. Solo and duet sections also offer opportunities to feature standout singers. A terrific addition to any program!
FOR CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Who Can Sail Without the Wind? arr. Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, 2-part with piano & optional violin
“Who can sail without the wind? Who can sail without oars? Who can leave a parting friend without shedding tears?” Beginning in unison and followed by verses of harmonically-driven part singing, this evocative Swedish folk song speaks of enduring relationships and lifelong bonds of friendship.
I Like to Travel! by Brian Tate, 2-part with piano
A fun song with a calypso feel. Engaging young singers in creative ways as they dream of traveling to different places and in different modes – walking, flying, driving, riding. Ideas are included for adding body percussion and Latin percussion. A creative “vehicle” for developing choirs.
About the Authors:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. Currently she is a church choir director, operates a private voice/piano studio and is active as a clinician and accompanist. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!