Around the World for Elementary Choir Friday, December 27, 2019
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral and Classroom Music Specialists
Looking for a different programming option for your elementary school choir? Get your choir on board and take a musical global journey to Africa and the West Indies with our recommended octavos! Be sure to load your percussion instruments!
Bhombela arr. Will Skaff/ed. Melissa Keylock, 2-part a cappella with body percussion or rhythm sticks
“Bhombela” is a traditional South African song used to accompany a children’s stick passing game. This fun arrangement, which includes entertaining choreography by use of rhythm sticks, is a delight for choirs of all levels. An exciting multicultural addition to any concert.
Pamoja by Mark Burrows, 2-part with piano & optional percussion
“Pamoja. We work together. Pamoja. We reach together. Pamoja. We grow together. Pamoja. Together. We will go far.” Adapted from an African proverb, this original up-tempo song teaches the positive life message of togetherness. With lively rhythms and joyful harmonies, it is an ideal lively concert opener or closer.
Tingalayo arr. Mark Weston, 2-part with piano & optional percussion
This authentic Caribbean-style treatment of a traditional West Indies folk song about the donkey, “Tingalayo” begins with all voices singing the refrain in 
unison. The harmony introduced later moves mostly in step-wise fashion. A relaxed piano part and optional shaker and claves create the perfect groove for a unique concert offering.
More repertoire options from around the world are available on our website, or contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
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!