Multicultural Music of Many Lands and Spirituals
A la Puerta del Cielo
This lovely Spanish folk song melody has been given an original partner-song by Jill Gallina. Legato lines with a flowing accompaniment, Spanish text and interesting counterpoint of the partner-song create a wonderful teaching and learning opportunity and a beautiful performance experience for singers and audiences. Available separately: 2-part Choral; StudioTrax A/P CD.
​
​
Watch a video performance:
​
​
Ballinderry
Melancholy Ballinderry is a beautiful Celtic folk song that tells the sad story of Mary, whose beloved Phelim is lost at sea. A violin part is included with the flowing piano accompaniment, making this a lovely multicultural selection for SSA voices.
​
Watch a video performance:
Beyond a Dream
The tragic 2009 Haitian earthquake devastated the lives of many children in that country. Beyond a Dream incorporates the lovely Haitian lullaby Fais do do with Jill’s original music to create a heartfelt message of hope for the future of the Haitian people and all mankind. Phonetic subtext is provided for the Haitian words. “Beyond a dream, a world I see where every child walks proud and free, and knows no pain or poverty…”
​
​
Watch a video performance:
* Bound for Australia * NEW!
This spirited traditional sea chantey will captivate the imagination and spirit of choristers and audiences alike with its clever and catchy lyrics and lilting driving rhythms. A Piccolo part has been added to enhance the flavor of this fun to sing octavo!
Available 3 part mixed, 2pt with piano and piccolo. Also Complete Choral Kit.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Cantate Domino
One of a number of short motets written by Italian composer, Claudio Monteverdi, this madrigal style for six voices has been set for SSA, carefully weaving selected vocal lines from the original to create this stylistically authentic edition using both energized and legato singing.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Watch a video performance:
* Celebrate the Differences * NEW!
If we could just teach one another to love, honor, cherish, and respect each other, what a wonderful world we could create! That sentiment was the inspiration for this song, and what better way to deliver this message than through the magical medium of music! Extended character education, lesson is included within the score. Available in 3-part mixed and 2 part voicings.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Watch a video performance:
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Chantez Noel
This bright and joyful French tune is a favorite for many a choir and is newly arranged for mixed voices in all levels as well as for women's voices. The lyrics are in French and English, making it a fresh and stand-out choice for your holiday concert.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Watch a video performance:
​
* De Colores * NEW!
Here's a traditional Spanish folk song that celebrates the many colors of the world! Originally used to welcome Spring, this upbeat and cheerful song came to be used as a song of unity and celebration of the beautiful colors and diversity of the people of the world. Most of the lyrics are in Spanish, but you can also sing a verse in English. Pronunciation guide and translation are provided in the octavo.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Dona Dona
Jill Gallina has arranged this traditional Hebrew folk song, Dona, Dona, about learning of and treasuring freedom. The text is very refreshing, and will lead to discussion between teacher and students, and act as a springboard to musical interpretation. Its strong, bright style will make it a great selection for your multi-cultural needs.
​
​
Funga Alafia
This great arrangement is based on a traditional song of welcome sung throughout many parts of Africa. Greetings of good health, blessings, and peace are expressed throughout this joyful piece. Vocal speech, an additional melody, and simple choreography have been added for further expression. Available seperately: 2-Part, opt. percussion; StudioTrax CD. Duration: 2:12.
​
​
Watch a video to learn choreography:
​
Watch another video:
Gia il Sole dal Gange
This standard Italian art song by Alessandro Scarlatti adheres exactly to the original piano and vocal lines. Jill Gallina has enhanced the arrangement with the addition of a second soprano and an alto vocal part that keep with the inherent harmonies of the original. A beautiful selection for women’s voices.
​
​
Watch a video performance:
​
* Hands 'Cross the Ocean * NEW!
The traditional Hebrew folk song Tum Balalaika is partnered with an original countermelody in this engaging choral work that can be performed by any combination of voices. The heartfelt message of peace, unity, and loving acceptance of all humankind shines through in this lovely setting.
​
Heave Away Me Jollies
Heave Away Me Jollies is a traditional sea chantey from Newfoundland. The joyful rollicking feel of the chantey lends itself to the hand claps and foot stomps included in the choral arrangement. They should be performed with gusto and spirit! During the instrumental sections, feel free to improvise and embellish with added choreography such as adding step dancing or Irish jig style dance set in front or to the side of the choir. Be sure to end the piece with a powerful accented “Heeyah! Available in SATB, TBB, 3 pt mixed and 2 pt.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
​
Watch a few videos:
​
Iro Ye
This lullaby is from the Republic of Benin, a country in Western Africa. The Mina language of the traditional melody is paired with an original melody in English creating a loving partner-style song with optional flute. A simple choral piece that creates many multicultural learning opportunities and a lovely performance.
​
​
Watch a video performance:
​
I’se The B’Y
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!
​
​
Jack Was Every Bit a Sailor
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.
​
​
Joshua Fit the Battle
A rockin' arrangement of the familiar spiritual, “Joshua Fit the Battle!” will bring down the house & not just the walls of Jericho! For two-part or three-part mixed voices, this dynamic showstopper is a guaranteed crowd-pleasing success!
​
​
Watch a video performance:
​
Kooky Kookaburra
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.
​
​
Kutsu ga Naru
A beautiful Japanese folk song translated meaning “Our Shoes Make Music”, crafted into a lovely 2 part arrangement that becomes a round after sung through one time.
​
​
Watch a video performance:
​
La Cucaracha
Ay, ay, ay, ay!" Everyone knows this Mexican folk song, now available in a super arrangement for two-part voices. Spanish and English lyrics are included, with Spanish pronunciation as a subtext. Use the salsa-style recorded accompaniment for an over-the-top cross-cultural experience!
​
​
* La Piñata * NEW!
Add to your holiday celebrations with this charming song from the Mexican/Latin American holiday of Las Posadas. The traditional song is presented in Spanish (with a phonetic pronunciation underneath), and then an original melody with English lyrics partners perfectly to create a two-part texture. Easy to learn, and a wonderful way to learn and celebrate the holiday!
A two part partner song, available with Complete Choral Kit.
​
​
* Las Chiapenecas * NEW!
Widely known as the Mexican Hand Clap Song, this spirited waltz is a joyful song of celebration that is lots of fun to sing! The unofficial state song of Chiapas, it can be performed here in both English and Spanish with enunciation and translation provided.
​
​
Lo Yisa Goy
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.
​
​
* Luli, Luli * NEW! Ukrainian Lullaby
The gentle melancholy and haunting Ukrainian Lullaby, Luli, Luli, is a poignant, yet sad and solemn contrast to the world that Ukrainians must face each day in their lives. In writing the original lyrics and melody as a counterpoint to this beautiful lullaby, it is my wish to both bring awareness to the plight of the Ukrainian people and also my prayer that the day will come when every women, man, and child can awaken to a world filled with peace and promise. Available in 2-Part and SAB/SATB voicings with optional violin. An enunciation guide and transliteration of lyrics is included in the score of this embellished partner song.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Mambo Italiano
From Rosemary Clooney to Lady Gaga, and countless television and movie appearances in between, this hit single continues to entertain with this new choral arrangement. Upbeat, rhythmic, and pure fun, this is a perfect novelty number for any performance.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Watch a video to learn choreography:
​
* Have a Very Merry Christmas Day * NEW! English and Tagalog
Maligayang-maligaya Nawa Ngayon Ang Iyong Pasko - Tagalog
The bright, engaging lyrics and the joyful, captivating melody of this holiday choral captures the true infectious spirit of all the many customs, emotions and joys of the holiday season. Arranged in two versions, English, and Tagalog [language of the Philippines] it's guaranteed to be a program pleaser for any holiday concert. The Tagalog version contains a transliteration and English lyrics as well. For SATB voices.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Watch a video of Tagalog version:
​
Minoi, Minoi, Minoi
This bright and joyful song is a traditional folk song from the Samoan Islands. The word Minoi means move, and the pulsating rhythms, combined with the infectious melody sets the perfect tone for an uplifting choral experience. An easy ukulele accompaniment has been added as well as percussion parts that are all popular musical sounds of this beautiful South Pacific Island! Arranged for 2pt and 3 pt mixed voices, with optional ukulele and percussion accompaniment.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
​
Mo Li Hua
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.
​
​
Watch video performances:
​
Numi Numi
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.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Watch a video performance:
​
* Sing to Martin Luther King * NEW!
This original 2 part Partner song celebrates the life and legacy of the great American hero, Martin Luther King. Perfect for ceremonies commemorating this great legend! 2 parts any combination of voices.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Songs of the Earth
This choral pairs two venerable Native American songs: a Hopi chant and a traditional Arapaho Native song. With recorders and percussion, the songs are blended together to form a partner song at the conclusion of the piece. A striking addition to your concert! Available: 3-Part Mixed; 2-Part; StudioTrax CD.
​
​
Sonntag
Brahms’ radiant Lieder is crafted into this lovely SSA choral work. Unison singing establishes the melody then breaks off into three-part harmony. Individual part-singing in the second verse makes this small masterwork an excellent teaching piece as well as a performance gem.
​
​
Watch a video performance:
​
The Kerry Dance
This charming arrangement stands out for its musical contrasts between lilting melodies and sad melancholic phrases, along with a surprise partner song ending. With a bright rhythmic accompaniment and additional original lyrics and melody lines, this piece works for any combination of voices with its two equal range parts.
​
​
The Risin’ of the Moon
For three-part mixed voices and optional violin, this simple Irish folk song is a nice concert or festival piece for fall or spring. Showcasing the expressive singing and dynamic capabilities of your choir, “The Risin' of the Moon” features a solo violin part. AVAILABLE: SAB, Violin; Accompaniment/Performance CD (35018420).
​
​
Turn Ye to Me
This beautiful Scottish Folk song, written in the early 1800's, has been arranged for SSA and SATB voices. The flute ,legato piano accompaniment, and a capella sections interspersed throughout the choral, are all set to a lovely melancholy melody with the recurring Gaelic words Horo Mhairi dhu appearing throughout the song.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Two Filipino Folk Songs
"Oh, I don't want to work. No, no, I'd much rather play. Work is never fun, so I'll play on me drum all day!" Set with a bright, Calypso feel, this fun piece includes parts for claves, maracas and bongos, and the text is all in English, so it will be a snap to learn!
​
​
Vela Sikubone
Translated as "Come forth, let us see you!" this traditional South African song is a solid opening selection for all choirs. With just a few repeated phrases in the Xhosa language, this is easy to teach and perform. Accompanied with piano or track, but you can add percussion for bongos, congas, claves, and shakers with notated parts in the score. Add some simple movement to complete the effect. available in SATB, 3 pt mixed, and 2 part.
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Venga Nel Nostro Coro
Venga Nel Nostro Coro, alternatively called Canone, was originally a 4-part canon or round written by Antonio Salieri from Canons for Unaccompanied Voices. Loosely translated it means “come to the choir.” The lyrics invite those with “difficulty to come to the choir with the promise of happiness and peace.” A joyful statement indeed for the happiness that singing together can bring!
​
Preview or purchase JW Pepper >
​
Preview or purchase Stantons >
​
Watch a video performance:
​