This sea chanty, from the mid-1800s, is inspired by the Irish immigrants escaping the great potato famine of their home country. Driven by a half note pulse, this piece has many ballad-like qualities with an accompaniment that propells the piece forward. It makes a wonderful selection for developing male voices teaching energetic 3-part singing.

Arranger: Jerry Estes

Fresh and innovative writing brings this African tune to choir lofts and joins it with a spiritually energizing 19th Century hymn text. This pleasing fusion brings the spirit of worship alive for Pentecost or any time. For a colorful touch, add the easy-to-learn percussion to make this a truly memorable call to worship. Joyful!

Arranger: Victor C. Johnson

A beautiful traditional Japanese folk song, Akatonbo's memorable melody sings of dragonflies in varying ways: unison, canon, accompanied, and a cappella. Gorgeous for both women's and upper elementay choirs.

Arranger: Russell Robinson

The simple text of this famous Japanese children's song is paired with a beautiful English translation depicting a red dragonfly seen at sunset. The original melody melds with the original partner-song creating gentle vocal lines above a simple and supportive piano accompaniment. 2-part writing that is simply exquisite and the choral includes rehearsal suggestions for added teaching and learning.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

This Swahili text is joyously set by Jerry Estes. Rhythmic and catchy repetitive phrases make this choral quick to learn and fun to perform. Add percussion instruments to support a multicultural feel! The text is uplifting and positive, encouraging the singer and the listener to take advantage of what life offers. Very memorable!

Composer: Jerry Estes

This choral gem by Jerry Estes, set in an African folk song musical style, incorporates the Swahili words for peace, love and unity. Amazingly versatile, this piece works for multicultural purposes, December performances, Kwanzaa, or general concerts. An optional descant adds more teaching opportunities and excitement to the performance. Perfect for improvisational percussion instruments! Available separately: 3-part mixed; 2-part; StudioTrax CD.

Composer: Jerry Estes

Young singers will adore singing this Spanish carol and exploring tempo with all the wonderful musical opportunities it brings. With a piano and optional percussion accompaniment that reflects the sound of a donkey, syncopated vocals increase in tempo making a novel and wonderful multicultural selection for the holidays.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

This lively, rhythmic, and humorous arrangement is pure fun from start to finish, not to mention easy to learn! Hand-clappin', hootin' and hollerin', and even some barking and howling fill the verses and choruses key change after key change. Add some foot-stompin' and a fiddle and you're ready to bile them cabbage down! Available separately: SAB, 2-Part, StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:10

Arranger: Steven Kupferschmid

From northern England comes this delightful folk song that works well for both mixed and women's choirs. A bright bouncy piano accompaniment, rhythmic vocal lines and humorous text create a lively arrangement that's fast and fun. Your singers will love discovering the frolicking character of Bobby Shafto!

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

From the Republic of Congo, this wonderfully rhythmic traditional African folk tune is sung in the Lingala language. The lyric joyfully expresses the angelic announcement of the birth of Emmanuel and conveys a message of hope for the world. Percussion is included in this great multicultural selection for Christmas.

Arranger: Jill Gallina

A calabash is a gourd that grows in the tropical and subtropical climates with many uses including a bowl used for meals. In this delightful song from Ghana, it calls for everyone to bring their bowl for koko, a type of porridge. The a cappella vocals begin simply and build harmonically throughout accompanied by rhythmic percussion included in the choral.

Arranger: Brian Tate

A favorite North American tune is creatively arranged incorporating unison and 2-part harmony, round and partner-style singing with original music. A treasure chest of teaching and learning that includes optional percussion instruments and a text that reflects the Native American philosophy of reverence for the earth.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

This Sicilian carol is traditionally played on bagpipes by shepherds who serenade Italian villagers the nine days before Christmas. This SAB and 2-part captures the style of the carol and tells the Christmas story with simple unison and harmony throughout. Available separately: SAB, 2-part, StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 1:50.

Arranger: Jill Gallina

This Puerto Rican folk song has been arranged as a lively partner song using an original melody and both English and Spanish text. Combined with the festive piano accompaniment and shakers for all to play, this spirited choral is a multicultural gem and a sound teaching tool for part singing.

Arranger: Lois Fiftal

This traditional song from Puerto Rico is a whimsical tune about a small, nocturnal tree-frog. It features easy and interesting 2-part writing and the use of percussion instruments including a croaking frog will be fun for a wide range of ages. The piece may be sung entirely in Spanish, entirely in English or in a mixture of both! Fantastic opportunities for musical and multicultural learning.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

Painting the scene of a cold and windy December night and the birth of the Christ-child or Rose, this Catalonian carol is set for young male voices using both the Catalan language and English. Supported with a flowing piano accompaniment, the melody is shared by both parts and joined by a simple descant where the option of a cappella singing is given.

Arranger: Russell Robinson

Crisp and rhythmic writing creates the original tune that is partnered with the spiritual Keep Your Lamps. An excellent choice for young and developing voices using short, musical phrases that weave throughout, creating an exciting learning process and performance. The piano is supportive and has the effect of a train rolling down the track keeping this arrangement flowing yet punctuated.

Composer: Jerry Estes

All things are possible if you just take it little by little, step by step... This Swahili phrase, with added English text, is written in an African folk style by Jerry Estes. The easy harmonies are lively and supported by a percussive piano accompaniment. The performance/accompaniment track adds even more rhythmic excitement. Haba Na Haba is a wonderful selection for your young singers to learn and enjoy. Available: 3-Part Mixed; 2-Part; StudioTrax A/P CD.

Composer: Jerry Estes

A popular clapping song at all-night dancing marathons on Southern plantations during holiday celebrations and festivities, this arrangement captures a contagious energy with a lively melody, vocal harmonies, handclaps and an optional fiddle part. A great selection for all performing groups. Available separately: SATB, violin; SAB, violin; PianoTrax CD. Duration: ca. 1:34.

Arranger: Tom Fettke

Delightfully playful with contrasting short and legato singing, this English folk song is a gem for any program. Harmonic writing surrounded by a round conjures its genesis of the English caroling tradition passed down generation to generation.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

Hi Yo Ipsi Naya is a traditional song that has probably been included in Navajo ceremonies for centuries. Today, this melody is often referred to as a Navajo song of happiness. All the elements of the song are very simple and repetitive with a variety of percussion instruments as well as body percussion used throughout. It's an interesting and compelling work for teaching and performing.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

Young singers will love this spirited Newfoundland folk song that dances with a sea chanty text. There's energy from start to finish with a moving piano line that supports individual, unison, and part-singing. Great fun for your guys too!

Arranger: Jill Gallina

From West Africa comes this celebratory chant honoring one's ancestors. It is an invitation for all to gather and bring their energy together in celebration. Beginning with a wash of vocal sound, the solo takes over and a 12/8 dance rhythm begins, setting a joyous mood. There are many opportunities for improvisation, capturing the West African sound in both the vocals and the accompaniment.

Composer: Brian Tate

From Newfoundland comes this comical retelling of Jonah and the Whale, but this time the whale gets his comeuppance! This bright and up-beat arrangement is a novel delight for both SAB and 2-part choirs.

Arranger: Jill Gallina

Light and joyous Pierre Certon madrigal arranged for SAB voices and perfect for concert, contest or festival. Limited lyric creates ease in learning and performing the French text. Phonetic pronunciation is under the French for ease of learning with English lyric following. IPA included in notes.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen | Composer: Pierre Certon

Set in multiple voicings, this traditional railroad work song tells the dramatic story of John Henry who died with his hammer in his hand! A driving piano accompaniment keeps this work on track to be a powerful performance your singers will love.

Arranger: Victor C. Johnson

Inspiring words accompany this familiar Irish folk song above a flowing piano accompaniment that adds sparkle throughout. A beautiful selection for young voices as a closer or encore! On the road we travel daily... just be kind. A message that is always in need and set here to perfection.

Arranger: Douglas Wagner | Composer: Traditional Irish Folk Song

From Kenya comes this rhythmic and energetic a cappella work in the Dholuo language that includes the use of percussion. Celebrating the gift of water to the land in the form of rain, rivers, and more, the unison singing builds into natural harmonies creating an arrangement that is perfect as a processional or staged with movement.

Arranger: Brian Tate

Vocal speech permeates this new rap-style arrangement by Jill Gallina. Direct from down under, this popular Australian nursery rhyme is full of fun. In addition, it is a great novelty piece to teach musical elements.

Arranger: Jill Gallina | Composer: Marion Sinclair

La Monja Blanca(the White Nun Orchid) is the national flower of Guatemala and symbolizes peace, beauty and art. This folk song in Spanish is set beautifully for young SSA a cappella voices. Light, lyrical and suitable for concert or contest.

Arranger: Christy Elsner

Celebrating peace, this Hebrew folk song will delight with its spirited accompaniment, bright and fun-to-sing vocals, and easy Hebrew text that create a round for 2-part and SAB voices. A wonderful multicultural performance for any time of year.

Arranger: Jill Gallina

In this South African folk song, the singer asks Aunt, please open the door for me. I am getting wet with rain. Percussive and rhythmic in its vocal arrangement with lots of three-part harmonies, it also includes percussion instrumental parts adding more interest to the ensemble. A terrific selection for multicultural programming. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, Percussion; 2-Part, Percussion; StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 1:53.

Arranger: Jerry Estes

Orlando di Lasso's tuneful villanelle is set here for TBB voices with details that suit the young male voice. The Italian text is accompanied by an optional English text, it is shorter in length than the original SATB score, contains an optional piano accompaniment, and is written in a style that is rustic and light with the energized syllables of dire, dire, don, don, don. A wonderful introduction to madrigal singing for your men.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen | Composer: Orlando Lassus

From the Kavango River region of Namibia in South Africa comes this a cappella work translating as Lord, you are up there and we are down here. Have mercy on us and show us your love. Though unaccompanied, the arrangement creates a pulsing and almost percussive feel as the song is sung reverently with beautiful dynamic changes. Ideas for simple movement adding visual interest and cultural detail are included.

Arranger: Russell Robinson

The original lyrics inspired by the artistry of Claude Monet is set to music based on Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 by Joel Raney. The serene SSA arrangement is quite stunning and a perfect choice for concert, festival or contest, filled with lush harmonies that paint the text superbly.

Arranger: Joel Raney

Elegant and simple, this traditional Chinese folk song about the Jasmine flower has been arranged by Jill Gallina. A graceful flute part floats delicately above the piano accompaniment. A translation and pronunciation guide is included within the choral. Mò Li Hua is a strong multicultural selection for programs and festivals.

Arranger: Jill Gallina

This setting of the Nigerian folk song is amazing! Simple enough in the vocal arrangement to better allow for musical interpretation, the addition of a vast array of percussion and rain sticks creates a powerful multicultural performance selection.

Arranger: Brian Tate

The melody of this traditional Irish folk ballad begins in unison and then cascades into a contrapuntal wordless vocalise that mirrors the imagery of the text. Beautiful a cappella harmonies are created from beginning to end, expressing a dialogue of love and joy - a wonderful opportunity for poetic exploration of meaning.

Arranger: Robert S. Cohen

Rhythm abounds in the vocals and percussion sounds of this Kenyan folk song. A delightful text that allows for creative and musical interpretation, energy-filled vocals, rhythmic hand claps and percussion, all join to create a dynamic multicultural musical experience.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

Traditionally, Nicaraguan mothers sang this song to their children as they rocked them to sleep. This up-tempo arrangement is arranged in the style of a Spanish dance encouraging the singer to smile, sway and have fun. It's a wonderful multicultural selection for general concert and appropriate for the holiday season as well.

Arranger: Rosephanye Powell

A Filipino folk song tells of two lovers departing each other's company and of their desire to reunite one day. The melody alternates between the two parts with 2-part harmonization throughout. The text, while it looks Spanish, is actually chavacano, a pidgin form of Spanish. A fresh multicultural selection for conert or contest!

Arranger: Greg Jasperse

This traditional Hebrew lullaby is a lovely and sweet partner-style choral using both Hebrew and English text. A gentle piano accompaniment supports both melodies and creates a beautiful concert selection for any time of year.

Arranger: Jill Gallina

This Shango song from Trinidad reflects the Yoruba tradition of West Africa. Followers believe God is everywhere - thus we are all a part of God. A cappella with percussion, the singing should be considered a rhythmic instrument as well when performing this exciting multicultural work.

Arranger: Brian Tate

This elegant 12th-century Japanese text is set to original music with respect to the Japanese sound and culture. Ethereal and refined with flute and percussion, the singer sings of a wandering stag, deep in the mountains, stepping through crimson leaves of autumn. Available: 3-Part Mixed; 2-Part; StudioTrax CD.

Composer: Ruth Morris Gray

What fun to sing this new arrangement of the popular Irish folk song accompanied with a sprightly piano, optional flute and hand drum. Your singers will feel as if they are on the Emerald Isle as they perform the happy melody crafted with harmonies and rhythmic vocal lines. Flute and Hand Drum parts are available for download on the Closer Look page.

Arranger: Don Sowers

Meaning lollipop, Pirulito is a traditional children's song from Brazil. The Portuguese text is simple to learn and fun to sing along with the addition of the percussion included in the choral. A great multicultural selection for 2-part choirs.

Arranger: Mark Burrows

Lively with a hint of bluegrass, this American folk song tells of the love for a woman called Shady Grove. A rhythmic piano accompaniment moves quickly under bright and two-part harmonies creating a wonderful piece for developing male voices that's full of energy and fun.

Arranger: Jerry Estes

Randy Stonehill's familiar and well-known song sounds and feels as if it has always been a part of the folk song or spiritual genre. This a cappella setting uses optional percussion and is designed for easy learning to create an atmosphere of musical accomplishment, especially for smaller and younger choruses. Repetition is a key component but the addition of solo opportunities, key changes and a creative B section lifts this to a level that will appeal to choirs of all sizes and experience. A wonderful programming choice that will become a favorite year after year.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: Randy Stonehill

Lively percussion captures the attention followed by a stacking of voices singing this popular South African folk song. Attention is given to vocal writing that creates rhythm patterns around the melody, use of repetition and the use of both English and Swahili. A perfect beginning a cappella work for young singers and developing choirs. Percussion parts are available for download on the Closer Look page.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

This a cappella setting accompanied by simple hand percussion is full of mystery and pulse. The haunting Scottish melody is woven with familiar and unfamiliar harmonies above a steady percussion creating a dance-like lilt in ae time. An SSA choral that is organic and natural like a folk song from long ago.

Arranger: Paul Langford