This original sea chantey is expressly designed for two-part male ensembles. Contrary motion, canonic counterpoint, and comfortable ranges make it easy for your boys to sound like men. Bring out the nautical feel with an optional C-instrument (part available free at alfred.com/choralparts).

Composer: Glenda E. Franklin

Add some multicultural flair to holiday concerts with this lively arrangement of the Puerto Rican Christmas carol! The playful "la la" section and syncopated verses come even more alive with the addition of handclaps and percussion ostinati.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Now this multicultural salsa-style favorite is available for TB choirs. The text is a combination of English and simple, repetitive Spanish phrases, set to a rhythmically infectious melody. Sizzling! (Featured on "In the Spotlight!" choral movement DVD.) Check this out! https://leapingbrain.com/modshop/product/?shop=9&product=5698

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

Cossacks (from the Turkish word for "adventurers") are military horsemen hailing from historic Russia, and this piece accurately captures their bravado with strong vocal phrases, proud two-part harmonies, and boisterous cries. Optional woodblock and tambourine parts mimic the sound of galloping hooves. Rugged and robust!

Composer: Gary E. Parks

Amusing sea-faring lyrics are combined with a recognizable chantey tune to create a nautical knockout for developing men's choirs. Perfect pedagogy for young male voices. Accompaniment included on PianoTrax 2 CD (00-31290).

Arranger: Gary E. Parks

This country-style novelty number celebrates the Clark Griswold in all of us! How many outdoor decorations do YOU hang at Christmas? Accessible two-part writing in both voicings makes for easy-to-learn, over-the-top, crowd-pleasin' fun. Be sure to check out the When We Sing! DVD for holiday hoedown choreography. "Merry Christmas, y'all!"

Composer: Andy Beck

Clamoring to join the sea song craze? Here's an exceptionally well-prepared traditional sea ballad that is equal parts authentic and enjoyable. Dating back to the mid 1700s, this rollicking nautical adventure (probably from England or Scotland) tells the story of a ship's captain who spots a mermaid in the distance. Since mermaids were thought to bring bad luck, the whole crew panics! A chorus of sailors, a captain, the chef, and a parrot take turns expressing their woe---often in a comedic way. Singers will quickly be hooked, so directors can sink into the educational merits to uncover many hidden treasures. View the arranger's intro video for even more history and teaching ideas.

Arranger: Jack Zaino

Uncover a hidden treasure with this Mary Donnelly and George Strid novelty song, guaranteed to be a kid favorite! From the first "Yo-ho!" to the final "Yarr!" it's rollicking fun for 2-part treble or men's choirs. Easy to sing, sure to motivate, and certain to be a swashbuckling success. "The pirate's life for me!"

Composer: Mary Donnelly

Here's a traditional canoe song from Polynesia that sounds quite impressive with just two voice parts, handclaps, and percussion instruments. The echo format of Greg's well-designed arrangement suggests people communicating from canoe to canoe as they travel between islands.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

The most unique multicultural piece you will sing this year. A primarily English text tells the spectacular story of an ancient Japanese fishing tradition on the Uji River. And a traditional Asian folk melody floats above a gentle koto-like piano or SoundTrax accompaniment. Magical for treble voices, and highly effective when TB singers sound like fishermen.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

A solid choice for developing choirs, this Donald Moore spiritual arrangement is right on. Based largely on the original, but adding a few new touches, the final outcome is an energy-filled piece with a driving beat. So fun-to-hear and easy-to-sing, it's a student favorite and crowd pleaser wrapped into one! A rockin' SoundTrax CD and SoundPax parts are available.

Arranger: Donald Moore