Fey O! Choral Music from Around the World Monday, January 22, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Fèy O! arr. Ruth Morris Gray, 3-part mixed a cappella with optional piano & percussion
Lively percussion and rhythmic choral phrases reflect the urgency of a parent seeking healing herbs for a sick child. Sung entirely in Creole, this song is well-known across Haiti and beyond. The arrangement punctuates a faithful interpretation of the folk song with new material and can be performed with or without piano.
J’ai vu le loup (I Saw the Wolf) arr. Emily Crocker, 3-part mixed with piano
“J’ai vu le loup” is a French folk song that dates to the medieval era. Many versions of the song exist, but they all feature animals imitating humans by dancing, laughing, and singing. This arrangement includes a version of the song along with additional music and lyrics created by the arranger.
Dayung Sampan arr. Ruth Morris Gray, 3-part mixed with piano and optional flute
This is lovely setting of a popular Indonesian folk song that arrived on the shores of the sunny island in the early nineteenth century. “Dayung Sampan” translated means “rowing a wooden boat” and poetically describes the historical and humble journey of Chinese migrants to Singapore. The modal piano accompaniment and optional flute add authentic flavor and texture to this multicultural gem. A pronunciation guide and translation are included.
Blow the Wind Southerly arr. Douglas E. Wagner, SSA with piano
Peace and tranquility is truly experienced in this beautiful arrangement of the traditional Northumbrian Folk Song. Warm choral sonorities and an accompaniment that ebbs and flows are the hallmarks of this impressive setting for treble voices. This is certain to become a favorite of singers for many seasons to come.
Oy Khodyt Son arr. Sarah Martinez, SATB a cappella (optional piano)
This traditional Ukrainian lullaby is characterized by a somber minor key and heartfelt rubato. This beautifully sparse treatment invites ensembles to personalize their performance by including the optional piano accompaniment or featuring solo voices. An optional narrator may read the English text translation during delicate interludes. Both phonetic and IPA guides appear in the publication or view the pronunciation video to hear a demonstration by a native speaker.
Jeunes Fillettes arr. Dan Miner, SA with piano
Miner’s setting of this playful and flirtatious text is perfect for the developing SA choir. With many opportunities to explore phrasing, articulation, dynamics, and drama, “Jeunes Fillettes” is an all-around great teaching piece! Don’t be afraid of the French, as there is a pronunciation recording available to aid in learning. Highly recommend!
Hine Ma Tov arr. Neil Ginsberg, SAB with piano and optional flute
This BEST SELLER is now more accessible than ever in this fresh new SAB setting with piano and optional flute. Perfect for developing voices, this concert/festival piece is exciting and tasteful. Sing it in the original Hebrew or in English.
Heave Away, Me Jollies arr. Ryan O’Connell, TB with piano
Your guys will love learning and performing this rousing sea shanty. Optional hand claps give percussive fun, and the track is filled with energy and life like a true showstopper! 2-part writing for young men doesn’t get better than this!
Howdidow, deediddleumday (Leatherwing Bat) arr. Vicki Tucker Courtney, TB with piano
A fantastic piece to teach vowels, diction, rhythms, and pitch precision, this English folk song titled “Leatherwing Bat” is fun to sing and impressive to perform. The nonsense syllables represent birds and bats chatting to one another in a rhythmic, witty fashion that your students will love to sing.
Aiken Drum arr. Ruth Morris Gray, 3-part mixed with piano and optional percussion
A lively piano accompaniment with optional percussion and body percussion adds energy to this spirited Scottish folk song. The lyrics are filled with nonsense and fun making a humorous choice for programming. It’s a terrific piece to teach rhythm, dynamic contrast, and an opportunity to delve into some Scottish folklore, too.
Carrickfergus arr. Russell Robinson, SAB with piano and optional flute
A song of great longing and beauty, this lyrical Irish folk song is arranged for two-part treble voices with almost equal ranges. With solo opportunities throughout, the gorgeous melody is further enhanced by the optional flute obbligato. A gorgeous piece for developing musicality, register changes, and purity of tone with your young treble choirs!
Babethandaza arr. Daniel Hughes, TTBB a cappella with percussion
The award-winning African-American singing group Sweet Honey in the Rock has made this piece popular, and they shared with the arranger the text that they learned from an African native. The translation of the original Swahili is: “We are marching in the light of God.” Incorporating the popular tune “Siyahamba,” this arrangement features claves, shakere, and djembe as the accompaniment.
Wahamba Nathi arr. Daniel Jackson, SATB divisi a cappella with percussion
A traditional isiZulu song expressing thankfulness to God for walking beside us. Celebratory and lots of fun, this would make a fantastic concert opener or closer.
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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.