Creative Programming: Music of South Africa Friday, January 24, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
In programming your school concerts this spring, consider the dramatic impact this combination of music from South Africa could add to your SATB, 3 part and TTBB choirs! Featuring songs of welcome and celebration along with themes of hope and gratefulness, these new selections could help to enhance learning and with added percussion serve as a listening treat for your audiences!
Modimo arr. Michael Barrett, SATB a cappella
Here is another fantastic South African arrangement from Michael Barrett! “Modimo” is a song of praise and celebration. Improvised percussion and a traditional Sesotho melody make for a grounded and deep sound your singers will immediately connect with. A quick learn with a huge impact.
San’bonani/Namhla Kudibene arr. Michael Barrett, TTBB a cappella
Here we have a medley of two upbeat songs. “San’bonani” is a traditional greeting song in the Zulu culture, and “Namhla Kudibene” is a war song from the Xhosa culture. They pair nicely, both dramatic in their impact.
Ndikhokhele Bawo arr. Michael Ryan, 3-part mixed with piano & optional percussion
This authentic setting of a cherished isiXhosa folk song contains simply stated vocal lines supported by a light, gently rhythmic piano part. Enhance learning and performance with the pronunciation guide and translation available as a free download, and don’t forget the optional djembe (congas) and shekere (shaker) parts. Also available is a synth track accompaniment, complete with African instrumentation!
Phind’ukhulume arr. Mzwandile Mabuza, SATB divisi a cappella
“Phind’ukhulume” is a beautiful Zulu prayer that speaks to themes of gratefulness and hope. Very moving, with a dramatic rise and fall. Achievable by many levels.
Contact us for more creative programming ideas, and 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!