I forget the composer, but "National Weather Report" might fit in well - it talks about how awful the weather is around the country, but concludes each verse with a Busby Berkeleyesque "But....California is sunny and mild!" It brought down the house last time we performed it!

 

Jeff DeMarco

Though originally written as an Introit for St. Francis' Day, Clare Shore's Tropical Blessing certainly celebrates nature in south Florida. Go here to hear a recording of the short piece (it's at the bottom of the list):

http://www.clareshore.com/LRoom.htm

 

To order copies of Tropical Blessing, call E.C. Schirmer toll-free: 1-800-777-1919

Larry,

A member of my University Women's Chorus from Taiwan gave me a recording of her Girl's Chorus from Taiwan singing a lovely Chinese folksong whose title translates: "A Tropical Place."  It is for SSA and piano and is not particularly difficult if you have someone who can help with the Chinese pronunciation.  I transcribed it from the recording, and with the student's help, did a transliteration of the Chinese.  My ladies loved it.  I can send you a Finale file or a PDF if you are interested.

 

Bruce Borton

Larry,

A few years ago, I was invited by Augsburg-Fortress publishers to create some collections of international sacred choral music under the general title "Let the Peoples Sing." The first volume happens to be a collection of Caribbean works.  The composers are all from the region; none are 'arrangements' by non-Caribbean composers (the royalties go to the Caribbean composers). A few of the scores were reprinted from the Caribbean Council of Churches collection "Sing a New Song."  Some works are unaccompanied, some are with piano. There are quite a variety of styles and tempi, but all are very accessible. Percussion parts are in the back of the volume; steel pans can also be included with many pieces; some of the refrains can even be taught ot the audience!

 

Here is the link to the Augsburg collection - http://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/item.jsp?clsid=256517&productgroupid=0&isbn=0800675398

It can be ordered from them or other distributors.  Volume 2 is sacred Baltic (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania): vol. 3 is int'l for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.

 

Volume 1 contains:

Noel Dexter (Jamaica) -

   The Lord is My Shepherd (Ps. 23)

   O Praise Ye the Lord (Ps. 150) 

   I Come to the Cross

   Lord Make Us One

   Peace and Love

Victor Pilgrim & Patrick Prescod (Barbados & St. Vincent):

   Let All the Peoples Praise You / Todos los pueblos canten

Patrick Prescod (St. Vincent):

   Communion Hymn

trad., arr. Bread for the Journey

   By the Waters of Babylon

 

Let me know if I can send you any other information. Good luck with your programming!

Marian Dolan, DMA

Artistic Director, The Choir Project (Naples, FL)

Hi there Larry

 

"There's a lady you should know.

She lives in the tropics, in the warmth she likes to grow.

Sunny Lady, most exotic lady...."

 

The first few words of Ooh Ladyfinger - a song about a tasty Australian banana, which exisits in SATB and TTBB (slightly easier version) voicings. Not a serious song, and in a jazzy-ish style. Popular with the choral groups who've performed it. Have a look at www.cherylcamm.co.uk.

 

Best wishes

Cheryl