World Music Selections

This elegant original concert work combines the ancient Hebrew text of Jewish scholar Hillel the Elder with English lyrics to capture the tension between the need for healthy self-care and the importance of

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

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 eight-minute journey around the world will take you from the kulokk calls of Norway to the bira ceremonies of Zimbabwe. This powerful and inspirational work with lyrics by Brian

With texts taken from the Kokin Wakashu, a collection of Japanese waka poetry compiled from various poets in the early tenth century, these four short songs of spring show the passing of the season from the

This high-energy piece for a cappella treble choir with optional body percussion and spoons is fun to sing and dynamic to perform. Written in the style of an Acadian folk song, the words of Vichten

This authentic sounding salsa piece is a fun way to incorporate Spanish text into your choral program. A contrasting middle section makes use of claves and vocal percussion, and the song provides an

Using both Hebrew and English text, this original setting of a traditional Jewish blessing provides an important message of peace. Set with a contemporary pop ballad feel, the text was chosen to honor

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

Beautifully melodic, with a great beat and a great message, this "world music" piece has a text in Swahili which translates as, "We have a right." Imbakwa was written for the score of a film about

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

On a theme of prayers for peace, the melodic material seems reminiscent of music that one would hear in a Jewish morning service, with a melody that the singers and listeners will carry with them

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

Hear the steady sound of the mill wheel in this brisk setting of the French Canadian folk song, which uses alternate French and English text. "I hear the windmill, tick-a tick-a tack-a..." Use the

A traditional Venezuelan villancico (Spanish carol), this lullaby is sung by Mary to her newborn child. With Spanish text throughout, it is creatively arranged in 5/8 meter with a gently rocking

Young singers will adore singing this Spanish carol! They can explore beginning harmony-singing with well-crafted independent parts that will help to hear and hold the two-part texture. They can also

Psalm 23 remains one of the most comforting texts to those who are afflicted with pain, loss, and grief. This original piece sets Hebrew and English texts with a soaring melody, beautiful harmonies, and

This beautiful Gaelic carol comes from the Scottish Isles. The tune, which is in the mixolydian mode, has a medieval quality; the gently swaying rhythm captures the essence of Mary gently rocking the Baby

This Latin-style piece blends a Spanish text with the syncopated and energetic Brazilian choro-samba style. To capture the exciting, life-celebrating text, this fun selection incorporates chanting, melodic

This traditional French carol is set in an arrangement that sparkles with rhythmic vitality and mixed meter. Utilizing just one verse, the French text is simple to learn and makes for a wonderful

Created to be sung in the original Xhosa language, this traditional South African folk song has been authentically arranged by the director of the Pretoria Youth Choir. An IPA pronunciation guide along with

Composed to teach three essential and specific music and dance styles in the Carribbean music traditions: the Cuban "son," the Puerto Rican "Plena," and the Dominican "Merengue." Accompanied by piano, bass

A spirited musical retelling of a timeless Jewish folktale about the consequences of gossip. This colorful setting pairs the fable sung in Yiddish with a spoken narration of the story in English to be