MI GALLO and More Around the World Titles for Beginning Choir Wednesday, April 09, 2025
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral & Classroom Music Specialists
Mi Gallo (My Rooster) arr. Andy Beck, 2-part with piano and optional maracas & claves
Here’s a lighthearted folk song from Spain that’s a breeze to learn and a pleasure to sing! The small-range melody is presented first in unison and then in canon. A simple ostinato adds another layer to the third verse before closing with echoing rooster calls – “Cocorí, cocorá!” Maracas and claves parts are included, or improvise your own percussion. There are only ten Spanish words in all, but if you need it, a pronunciation/translation guide is included.
Furusato (In My Little Town) by Teiichi Okano/arr. Mary Donnelly & George L.O. Strid, 2-part with piano and optional flute
This well-known Japanese folk song found world appeal when performed at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. The first verse features an English text that is not a translation but rather a lyric that conveys nostalgia for the hills and fields of one’s childhood home, set as an original partner song. The optional flute will add a gorgeous touch to this cultural gem.
Sesere Eeye arr. Greg Gilpin, 2-part a cappella with percussion
This Torres Strait Island folk song presents a wonderful opportunity for a cappella choirs to perform with authentic world percussion instruments (common alternates offered). All the voicings are built on a traditional repeat structure that begins in unison and unfolds into more harmony with each verse. A brief bridge of original music punctuates the repeated sections. Choirs around the globe have enjoyed adding movement to this playful nature song.
Oh, in the Cherry Garden arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Unison/2-part with piano and optional cello
This Ukrainian folk song is beautiful and delicate with original words from Douglas E. Wagner. An optional solo cello may be employed to enhance the enchanting nature of this piece.
Tanabata (Star Festival) arr. Greg Gilpin, 2-part with piano
This Japanese folk song is sung during the annual Star Festival, when trees are decorated with wishes written on colorful strips of paper. Greg’s partner song arrangement pairs the traditional pentatonic melody with a new countermelody and some English words by Takashi Nakamura. A pronunciation guide and translation are included in the publication. A gently flowing selection just right for beginners.
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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.