World Music Selections

Hauntingly beautiful, this selection for voices, piano, and flute has a lovely pentatonic melody that is elegantly crafted. With simple, easy ranges for inexperienced singers and the pure vowels that the

"Eneza upendo uendako, umoja ni upendo" translates to "Spread love everywhere you go, unity is love." This piece celebrates the hopeful sentiments of unity and love through both Swahili and English lyrics

Don't miss this unique setting of a traditional Israeli folk song scored for a cappella voices, flute, and hand drum. Inventive with spoken chants woven throughout, this is accessible with limited ranges

A celebratory, highly rhythmic composition. The Swahili title means "We are one" - meaning all human beings have much in common. The energetic djembe sets the tone, the piano adds its own rhythmic design,

Subtitled Standing Tall, this original work combines Swahili and English phrases about standing with hope, strength, acceptance, and a positive spirit - all in an accessible world music style.

Written for the One Voice Children's Choir, this work mixes English and Swahili in a pop-style setting to drive home the message: "There is beauty all around when there's love at home."

This popular Hungarian folk song, rich melodically and rhythmically, will work well with a variety of ages. An English translation is included. 

From the Mexican/Latin American holiday tradition of Las Posadas, this sweet lullaby is sung by children to welcome the birth of the baby on Christmas eve. Presented here in an accessible arrangement that

Sponsored by the University of New Mexico, this folk song is from a collection of songs native to the area. "Tengo" translates as "I have," but what the song is really saying is "I have

Fun to sing and surprisingly rehearsal-friendly, this South African musical celebration of freedom and hope is sure to have instant appeal. Lending itself to simple stage choreography and with an exciting,

This traditional Japanese song depicts a red dragonfly at sunset. Paired with an original melody and English lyrics in a simple partner song setting, this easy-to-learn concert piece features lyrical lines,

The message and melody of this beautiful traditional Jewish prayer for peace never gets old. With ample unison and a simple section of harmony in a round, this arrangement is quickly learned and extremely

Kusimama is written in a world-music style that is accessible for choirs, both young and old, that are just beginning to be exposed to world rhythms and language - a sort of introduction to new

Here is a work with a Spanish flair but also in the style we have come to expect from Jim Papoulis. Positive, with a message that speaks to young people around the world. "We can make a difference" rings

This traditional Chinese folk song is used as a blessing for a bountiful harvest and a good year. The pentatonic melody line and simple repeated harmonies preserve the Eastern feel of the arrangement, and

Here's an invigorating cross-cultural number that will make everyone want to dance! It's a joyful Israeli dance song, incorporating the popular round Toembai. With Hebrew text, lots of "tra la la

This arrangement of a West African song of greeting from Ghana is an a cappella canon with optional percussion. Body percussion as well as parts for shakers, high drum and low drum are included. With its

Opening with narration consisting of poignant quotes about doing what is right, this piece speaks of hope, compassion, justice, and unity. Sung in English and Swahili, the solemn accompaniment supports the

A trio of African percussion instruments lays down an ostinato groove in this otherwise a cappella arrangement of the authentic Congolese folk song. Easy-to-sing melodic and harmonic patterns accompany the

This energetic arrangement of the traditional Spanish folk song is infused with the characteristic dance rhythms of Andalusia. Easy-to-learn phrases in the original language alternate with some English

With lively percussion parts and call-and-response-style writing, this engaging and easy-to-learn piece will make a terrific concert opener! The a cappella harmonies are so fun to sing and include plenty of

This energetic setting of the Turkish folk song utilizes repetition so that the short Turkish text, once learned, becomes easier with each repetition of the chorus. The tempo increases as the arrangement

This traditional Nigerian song of welcome effectively uses repetition and engaging rhythms to make this a quick learn and an entertaining concert selection. The octavo includes suggestions for stage