Harambee! Wednesday, February 15, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral & Classroom Music Specialists
Harambee! Songs and Games from Tanzania by Kedmon Mapana & Karen Howard
Harambee (Swahili): a festive gathering for singing and dancing.
This beautiful collection of songs and games for elementary and middle school students showcases the vibrant and varied musical traditions of Tanzania, and in particular those of the Wagogo people of central Tanzania.
As with all books in the World Music Initiative series, this collection guides students and teachers to an understanding of world music traditions by providing cultural and historical context for each selection, including information on geography, ethnic groups, languages, music genres, and traditional instruments – complete with pictures and video links.
Audio recordings – both a spoken pronunciation track and a singing track – are available online for all songs and chants, as well as PowerPoint slides for many of the materials. Each selection also includes notation, translations, phonetic pronunciations, and optional ideas for pedagogical extensions.
Created with the generous support and input of many Tanzanian children, teachers, and friends, this collection presents the music of Tanzania in an accessible way that honors the music’s original context while adapting it for a new context and to teach new musical concepts.
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years and a former church choir director of 20 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. 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!