World Music Series

"Come, come, shepherds let us go! Let's run to Bethlehem." Written in the "Bambuco Fiestero" rhythm of the Andes Mountains of Columbia, the characteristic dance rhythm of 6/8 against 3/4 is the main feature of this a cappella setting. In Spanish, with English translation.

Three lilting Irish songs are artfully arranged in this easily-learned choral suite. Perform with piano or add the Celtic band accompaniment for a wonderful concert showcase. Includes: Molly Malone (Cockles & Mussels), The Rocky Road to Dublin, The Wearing of the Green. Performance time of three-song set: Approx. 7:10.Available separately: SATB, SSA, ShowTrax CD and Instrumental ePak (Parts for Pennywhistle, Fiddle, Uilleann Pipe, Guitar, Bass, Bodhran Drum and Harp).

Arranger: Mark Brymer

Your singers will enjoy learning this song from India that celebrates the Diwali Festival of Lights. It is in the Konkani language, which is the official language of the Indian state of Goa. Learn the pronunciation on the VoiceTrax CD or sing with the alternate English text. The authentic sitar and tabla sounds on the recorded accompaniment give this selection special appeal. Performance Time: Approx. 2:20.

Arranger: John Higgins

Your singers will enjoy this cheerful Guatemalan song that has a rhythmic bounce and easily learned harmonies. The language is Zutuhil, which is a derivative of the ancient Mayan language from the region. Pronunciation guide included. Duration: ca. 1:25.

Arranger: Fernando Archila

It isn't very often that you get a chance to perform music from the Middle East! This setting of an Arabic folksong isn't difficult and the percussion patterns are easily performed by your singers.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed and 2-Part. ShowTrax CD also available. Performance Time: Approx. 2:00

Arranger: John Higgins

This playful contemporary African folksong is a lot of fun to perform with layered vocal parts, African percussion, and humorous references to the choir members singing.

Arranger: Michael Coolen

Two distinctive cultures combine in this unique choral change-of-pace. Featuring African percussion and Irish-inspired vocals, this delightful piece is fun, fun, fun!

Arranger: Michael Coolen

In America, this popular contemporary Jewish song is often performed slowly and peacefully, but in Israel, it is performed in a quick tempo, as it is in this arrangement. Featuring both Hebrew and English, it unfolds into a spectacular whirling and wordless dance. With clarinet obbligato (part included). Duration: ca: 3:25.

Arranger: Nick Page

Here's a traditional Bahamian song about the many beloved recipients of a woman's roses. This lively, rhythmic arrangement for mixed choir is ideal for a world music concert or other festival performances.

Arranger: Cleophas Adderley

Three traditional Spanish carols from a variety of cultures are creatively combined in this setting. Perform it in Spanish, English, or a combination of both. Songs include: De Tierra Lejana Venimos (Puerto Rico); Oi Betlehem (Biscaya); Fum, Fum, Fum (Spain). Optional percussion. Available: 2-Part, 3-Part Mixed. Performance Time: 3:20.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

Written and performed as a benefit for Third World children, this pop anthem offers an inspirational tribute to the power of music. A great concert finale!Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD (includes recorded pronunciation guide). Performance Time: Approx. 2:40

Arranger: Mark Brymer

Layered call and response vocals, African percussion, and optional movement all combine to create this cross-cultural celebration. Easily-learned, with lots of repetition will make this an unforgettable concert experience.Available separately: SATB only. Performance time: Approx. 2:30.

Arranger: Michael Coolen

Here is the popular Mexican folksong arranged as only John Leavitt could do it. With English and Spanish texts, sparkling vocal parts and a Mariachi-flavored accompaniment with a few rhythmic surprises, you won't be disappointed!Available separately: 3-Part Mixed and 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Arranger: John Leavitt

This simple Sephardic folksong offers a tender message over a gentle and flowing accompaniment. A wonderful concert/festival selection. Available separately: SATB, 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part. Duration: ca. 3:15.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

Based on a Nigerian folk song, this exciting a cappella work features layered repetitive patterns over African percussion. Ideal for many types of programs, this flexible work can also be used as a processional.

Arranger: Rosephanye Powell

This a cappella setting of a traditional South African praise song just bursts with joyful energy. Dynamic contrast, percussion and a wide range of layered vocal textures make this an appealing concert choice.

Arranger: William Powell

These delightful miniatures are wonderful for concert, contest and small ensembles. Careful part-writing and attention to range make these a good choice for younger treble groups. Includes: A la puerta del cielo (At the Gate of Heaven), El Senor nacio en Belen (The Lord Was Born in Bethlehem), Gloria a Dios en las Alturas (Glory to God in the Highest).

Arranger: Noe Sanchez

This Caribbean folk song is an irresistible change of pace that makes light of man's inability to please a woman. Features a soloist and optional Latin percussion. In the interest of fairness, an SSAA adaptation is also available! Available: SSAA, TTBB. Performance Time: Approx. 2:15.

Arranger: Rosephanye Powell

Perfect your Spanish pronunciation with this multicultural treat! Roger Emerson's arrangement of the popular Cuban folksong is lots of fun to sing and builds choral skills as well. Includes optional English lyrics.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

Arranger: Roger Emerson

Young singers will enjoy the Middle Eastern sounds and rhythms of this popular Lebanese folksong in a creative and well-crafted setting that will showcase them at their best! Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

This traditional sounding Song of the Beach has been sung in Japan for over 70 years. The beautiful accompaniment brings to mind the peacefulness of nature described by the lyrics.

Arranger: John Higgins

This gentle Japanese folksong is artfully crafted for young choirs, piano and optional Orff instruments. Excellent multicultural feature! Available: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:15.

Arranger: Mary Donnelly

This Zulu dowry song for SATB voices, solo voice and percussion will be a challenging and impressive concert feature. An excellent choice for better high school choirs and up.

Arranger: R. Douglas Helvering

Composed in the Kwaya music tradition of Tanzania, this vibrant Swahili song means build your faith and encourages people to keep moving forward and to never give up, even though they may face hard times. Easily learned by school, church and festival choirs, the music includes percussion, text, translation, pronunciation and suggestions for adding movement. Duration: ca. 4:45.

Composer: Israel Kagaruki

Based on a Colombian folksong, this irresistible setting is full of rhythm and playful humor! A spark, a flame, let's see if I get burned. A spark, a flame, I am burned already. In Spanish, with notes and English translation. Perform it a cappella or add piano, guitar, bass or percussion ad lib. Available separately: SATB, SSA. Duration: ca. 2:45.

Arranger: Julián Gómez Giraldo

Composed in the Kwaya music tradition of Tanzania by blind composer Israel Kagaruki, this powerful choral work features a Swahili call and response that is easily learned and incredibly moving in performance. The publication includes suggested percussion patterns, translation, pronunciation guide and and other helpful information. Duration: ca. 2:45.

Composer: Israel Kagaruki

This traditional Mexican folksong is often sung at birthdays and this setting by Audrey Snyder retains the traditional flavor and adds some additional touches to make it even more special. Ideal for younger ensembles in a variety of performance options.Available separately: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:20.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

Here is a rollicking Canadian folk song that will showcase your young men's ensemble at its best! The two parts make this selection accessible for the beginning of the year, or with smaller groups. Available separately: TB, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 1:45.

Arranger: Cristi Cary Miller

This energetic Israeli folksong features the Isaiah text How beautiful are upon the mountains the feet of the messenger of good tidings: of salvation and peace. Available: SATB, 2-Part, 3-Part Mixed. Performance Time: Approx. 1:45.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

This energetic Colombian folksong tells the tale of a friendly baker who learns the hard way to collect the cash upfront! Strong syncopation and a staccato singing section add to the fun. Includes suggestions for using optional percussion.

Arranger: Julian Gomez Giraldo

Celebrate the power of singing with this robust African piece by S.J. Khosa. Add bongos, bass drum and hand claps to create an ethnic tribute to choral singing. Performance time: Approx. 2:45.

Arranger: Michael Coolen

This is a Porro Chocoano from the Chocó region in Colombia's Pacific coast that tells the story of Maximína and a broken sewing machine. A great multicultural choice for mixed and treble choirs! In Spanish, with notes and English translation. Perform it a cappella or add piano, guitar, bass or percussion ad lib. Available separately: SATB, SSA. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: Julián Gómez Giraldo

This beautiful Israeli song is presented here in a masterful setting by Audrey Snyder, unfolding in a rich and sonorous choral tapestry. Optional violin, oboe, or other melody instrument. Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

An ancient Japanese folk song with a beautiful, evocative text forms the basis of this stunning work. Includes English and Japanese lyrics. Available: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 3:15.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

This dignified song by Enoch Mankayi Sontonga (1860-1904) and Sek Mqhayi (1875-1945) is the Pan-African Anthem and is sung throughout the continent. This setting may be sung a cappella, or with chimes and layered percussion. Available separately: SATB (opt. a cappella), SSA (opt. a cappella) and 3-Part Mixed. Parts for Chimes and Bass Instrument included. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

This traditional folk song from Kenya is a conversation between a man and a woman. "I love you, but you do not love me. How is that? If you do not love me, you had better tell me so." Dynamic contrast, percussion and a wide range of layered vocal textures make this an appealing concert choice.

Arranger: Rosephanye Powell

This traditional Angolan greeting song uses easily-learned Bantu and Portuguese phrases along with English verses. Allow your students to add the drum accompaniment or use the ShowTrax CD for additional authenticity. Performance time approx.2:26. Available separately: SATB, 3-Part Mixed and 2-Part. I-Pak and ShowTrax CD also available.

Arranger: Mark Brymer

Now available for women's voices! Here is an exuberant celebration of the birth of Christ through layered African polyrhythms and call-and-response vocal phrases. The singers encourage the audience to rejoice, shout and clap with them, making this selection a wonderful processional or concert opener. Percussion, Yoruba translation and pronunciation are included. Available separately: SATB, SSAA a cappella. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: William Powell

The tale of the Irish immigrant workers on America's railroads is cleverly told in this traditional Irish folksong. Available separately: 2-Part, 3-Part Mixed and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Arranger: Mark Brymer

This song is the signature hit of South African singer Miriam Makeba. It's in the Xhosa language and with its irresistible groove, you can't help but get on your feet!

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Performed By: Miriam Makeba

This West African folksong is arranged as a call and response easily mastered by all choirs. Suggested African percussion is included and could be enhanced with body percussion and simple movements.

Arranger: Rosephanye Powell

The meandering path of a river as it winds to the sea and the long journey to see one's love are intertwined in this bright Chilean folksong setting by Audrey Snyder. Well-crafted vocal parts are a joy to sing and the Latin-flavored piano accompaniment adds charm. Spanish and English lyrics included.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed and 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:20.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

This traditional market song by Bahamian composer/conductor Cleophas Adderley offers a light-hearted treatment that is sometimes solemn, sometimes frenzied. With optional hand percussion, this a cappella setting will bring your concert to a spirited conclusion!

Arranger: Adderley

This well-loved Japanese folksong tells of the beauty of cherry blossoms in the spring. Linda Spevacek has arranged the graceful melody with gentle contrapuntal lines, and optional Orff instruments and recorders. Available: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 3:10.

Arranger: Linda Spevacek

This well-loved Japanese folksong tells of the beauty of cherry blossoms in the spring. This setting combines graceful vocal lines with a gentle accompaniment and flute obbligato. Excellent for developing choral tone and expressiveness! Available separately: SSA, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:40.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

The vibrant sounds of this African game song will energize your singers through layered percussion and hand claps and call-and-response vocals. Available separately: 3-Part Treble, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Cristi Cary Miller

This simple Hebrew prayer is a heartfelt prayer for peace. Perform with any combination of mixed, treble or men's voices with the expressive piano accompaniment or supplement with violin, percussion and bass, included in the octavo.

Arranger: John Leavitt

A haunting Thai folksong is beautifully arranged for young treble choirs. Gentle melodies are interwoven into a lyrical texture that is expressive and compelling. Available: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

This South African folk song is set rhythmically, and includes the potential for using many percussion instruments. A must for the multiculturally diverse performance. It's fun for singers and audience alike!

Arranger: Donald Moore

Now available in additional voicings, Sorida is a term of greeting in the Shona language of Zimbabwe, Africa, similar to shalom in Hebrew or jambo in Swahili. This original work features percussion, layered vocal patterns, and a joyful solo with both secularand sacred texts. An exciting concert procession or opener!

Arranger: William C. Powell