NEW Lakota and Cherokee Choral Titles Friday, November 03, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Čhaŋté Wašté Hokšíla (My Kind-Hearted Boy) arr. Linthicum-Blackhorse, SATB with piano
Here is a traditional Lakota lullaby that was often sung by mothers towards their young boys. The Lakota language has become nearly extinct but composer/arranger Linthicum-Blackhorse has made it his life’s work to bring the language back to life. In this arrangement, the IPA pronunciation guide is included in the body of the music in order to make it accessible to all singers and choirs.
Cherokee Morning Song arr. Michael Yannette, 2-part any combination with piano and optional recorder, tuned singing bowls, and percussion
Translation: “I am one with the great spirit.” Equally suited for mixed, treble, or tenor-bass choirs, this flexible arrangement opens with a Native American flute, the sounds of flowing water, and tuned singing bowls. Next, two expressive solo voices introduce the core sections: the traditional melody with Eastern Band Cherokee Indian lyrics; and an original refrain in English that is later paired with the authentic tune.
Wakantanhan Hotan’Inpe (From above, they are making their voices heard) arr. Linthicum-Blackhorse, TTBB with Native Powwow (or Bass) drum and optional Native flute in F (or concert flute)
Like much of the First Nation music, it has never been written down, rather passed on aurally from one generation to the next. This arrangement of a Lakota Sioux spiritual is the beginning of an ethnomusicological journey to preserve and archive the music of this tribe in a meaningful and entertaining way.
Thuŋkášila Imáyaluškiŋ (Grandfather Spirit, You Make Me Happy) by Linthicum-Blackhorse, TTBB a cappella with Powwow (or hand drum)
“Thuŋkášila Imáyaluškiŋ” embodies the uplifting nature of the Sundance ceremony and the blessings provided by life. All creations in the universe have a spiritual entity associated with them in traditional Lakota Spirituality. These spirits are called “grandfathers,” or Thuŋkášila, which act as our guides, tricksters, companions, etc., as we exist here on this Earth. The arranger has done a fantastic job by creating an arrangement that is energetic and accessible while maintaining reverence for its purpose. Accompanied by the Pow Wow (or a hand drum), this setting is voiced for tenor-bass choirs and works exceptionally well for young and mature festival groups.
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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.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.