Sansa Kroma and More for Beginning Choir Friday, April 21, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Sansa Kroma arr. Victor C. Johnson, 2-part with piano and percussion (optional a cappella)
This not-to-be-missed setting of a Ghanaian folksong sparkles with energy and excitement. Whether it is sung with or without piano accompaniment, the strong vocal pairings, handclaps, and active percussion parts combine to create a full choral experience accessible to any choir.
Famba Naye arr. Victor C. Johnson, 2-part with piano and optional percussion
This exuberant arrangement of a popular Zimbabwean folk song is a multicultural programming winner! Easy-to-sing melodic and harmonic patterns, a rhythmic piano accompaniment, and accessible parts for shaker, hand drum, and djembe all combine to provide an exciting performance opportunity for developing choirs. A pronunciation guide and translation guide are included.
Okina Kuri No (The Chestnut Tree) arr. Michael Ryan, 2-part with piano and optional hand drum, triangle & flute
This traditional Japanese folk tune about a towering chestnut tree has been set in a lovely, flowing setting for two-part choirs. With limited text, this is a wonderful opportunity to present a Japanese text to young singers and explore Japanese folk music. Light percussion including hand drum, triangle, provides a rhythmic groove and a floating flute part ties the arrangement together for a full, but accessible musical opportunity. Instrumental parts are included in the choral octavo.
Come and Sing Together arr. Andrew Parr, Unison with piano
There is a vast body of Hungarian folk music, rich both melodically and rhythmically. Here, composer Andrew Parr provides an English translation and sets the tune for unison voices. Try the piece with children or even senior adults.
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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!