Volume 3 Early Advanced-The third volume for early advanced pianists explores even more genres than the first two volumes such as elements of Tango and Haitian Merengue music. 'Cell Phone Blues' is derived from pop music and Jazz. This volume also includes spirituals and African folksongs. Performance notes and composer biographies are provided as well.

This lesser known spiritual speaks nobly and poignantly of the lifelong heartache and desperation experienced by enslaved Africans in America. In this setting that features a soprano solo the words of the third verse are those ofa nineteenth century woman whose entire life was spent in slavery. The meditative quality of the music creates a pensive atmosphere that is spellbinding. Duration: ca. 5:…

Composed for SATB a cappella choir and percussion. An unusual and highly effective choral cantata in five sections on poems by Edward Kamau Brathwaite.It narrates the ancient and intensely spiritual ritual of drum making by certain African peoples where the drum is revered as a living spirit. The poem is a celebration of how that spirit is brought alive and this setting is likewise exuberant rhyt…

Simple three-part harmonies make this fresh arrangement of the traditional ?Kum Ba Yah? accessible to both SSA and TBB ensembles. Optional percussion adds a celebratory African feel to this rhythmic and festive piece.Great syncopation and some harmonic surprises give new energy and vitality to this familiar spiritual.

Conductors of male choirs are always looking for advanced works outside the genres of barbershop folksong glees and spirituals. This work derived from an African initiation rite is filled with an energy and rhythm that will be thrilling to your male singers and audience alike.