Title of article Pick Six

Subtitle of Article Ethnic and Multicultural Choirs (YOUR R&S)

Name of author Angela Broeker
Job University of St. Thomas
Issue Fall Issue 2010

Pick Six

Wipip!!!
Sydney Guillaume
Santa Barbara Music Publishing, SBMP 925
SATB

All we Twa Tanbou fans are sure to be pleased with Sydney Guillaume’s latest. The title,
meaning “wow,” aptly describes the character of the piece. Filled with Guillaume’s
characteristic “doums,” “woys,” and “di-pops,” the rhythmic impetus is infectious. The
Haitian text, written by the composer’s father, jubilantly imagines a world without
conflict.

Le Pont Mirabeau
Lionel Daunais
Editions a Coeur joie, ACJ 139
SATB

Every once in a while, a piece comes along that seems to define “simple beauty.” Le
Pont Mirabeau, by French Canadian composer/singer Lionel Daunais, is just such a
piece. The languid, homophonic, strophic work contains harmonic language that seems
to be a cross between Debussy and vocal jazz. Accessible to high school and college
choirs alike, Daunais gives us a score with ample opportunity for expression and nuance.

Jumalisten joucko
Stephen Chatman
E.C. Schirmer EC.7.0450
SSATBB

A Finnish medieval chant serves as the basis for Chatman’s Christmas piece. The chant,
in d minor, is harmonized with numerous open fourths and fifths and sometimes hints at
Dorian with its addition of b naturals. Used as a processional with hand drum, the piece
unfolds gradually, swelling to a glorious conclusion. The alternate English singing
translation offered by the composer works well.

Now Our Meeting’s Over

Jocelyn Hagen
www.jocelynhagen.com
SATB with divisi
Jocelyn Hagen is masterful at taking a simple melody and setting it in numerous ways to
create a choral work. As this traditional melody is passed throughout the voice parts,
Jocelyn writes accompanying material that 1) retains the character of the melody, 2)
moves from neutral syllable to text, and 3) builds through the use of dynamics,
complementary rhythmic figures, and vocal registers. The coda of hums and whistles
makes for a satisfying, contemplative ending.

Kaki Lambe
Traditional Senegal, arr. Brian Tate
Pavane Publishing – HL.8301722
SATB

A traditional piece from Senegal, Kaki Lambe’s simple vocal ostinatos add up to a
wonderfully interesting piece that is great as an opener or as a closer with traditional
movement. The translation, “Protector of the harvest, come to us,” suggests an autumn
performance. Percussion parts work well as written or as a springboard for
improvisation.

El Bodeguero
Son de la Loma
La mujer de Antonio
Me quiero casar contigo
arr. Conrad Monier
www.alinaorraca.com
Many voicings

These four Cuban selections as well as others are available from the web site. Monier
has taken traditional Cuban melodies and set them with energy and syncopations
reflective of the culture’s heritage. The comprehensive web site allows for viewing each
score (in many different voicings) and listening to recorded examples.