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SATB, Original song based on and adapted from a Nigerian folk song, a capella, w/percussion
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.
Composer Notes: This song honors the arrival and presence of a king to an African village. The king is hailed as one who is so powerful that he cannot be defeated. At the end of the song, all bow before the king’s presence. The “sha” sound is a percussive effect and one of strength. There is no word for word translation to English because some of the words don’t translate alone. These can only be translated as phrases.
E oru O: Your royalty (seen in the beads you wear):
Oba efeo awo: O King, show it to those
Fere de: who love you
E oru O: Your royalty:
Oyinbo: No man (the enemy)
Etio ja: will take it from you.
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SATB accompanied, poetry by Langston Hughes. This work by Rosephanye Powell features the words of Langston Hughes that inspired Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is an anthem for all those who believe in human rights, in peace and hope for a better tomorrow. Powerful! –Hal Leonard
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SATB Kenyan folk song arr., a capella, w/optional percussion by William and Rosephanye Powell. 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. –Hal Leonard
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Performed by Tim Seelig, conductor, the Turtle Creek Chorale and the Women’s Chorus of Dallas.
SATB ballad, accompanied. This tender ballad, which sets words by lyricist Pamela Martin, is from the multi-movement choral-orchestral work “Sing for the Cure”. It is one of the most popular songs from the work. One can hear the passion of love that endures and keeps promises through difficult times. “My heart remembers…the promise lives on!” says it all!
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SATB performance
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TTBB version which is unpublished.
SATB Spanish celebration of life with piano accompaniment! If you’re in need of a spirited spanish song to complete your concert, your singers and audience will LOVE “Solidaridad”! Whether we sing, jump, run, shine,or fly as the birds, as one let us join together in solidarity! Taking its text from 19th century Mexican poet Amado Nervo, this exciting concert work in spanish is marked by bright harmonies and vigorous call and response phrases which celebrate the beauty of nature, the power of singing and the strength of unity. Rosephanye’s accompaniment is refreshingly full of spanish vigor and spirit! A challenging and substantial work! Duration: ca. 2:00.
Alondra, ¡vamos a cantar! Cascada, ¡vamos a saltar!
Riachuelo, ¡vamos a correr! Diamante, ¡vamos a brillar!
Águila, ¡vamos a volar! Aurora, ¡vamos a nacer!
¡A cantar! ¡A saltar! ¡A correr! ¡A brillar! ¡A volar! ¡A nacer! Solidaridad!
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SATB, acappella, w/percussion, based on African greeting. iSoridai is a term of greeting in the Shona language of Zimbabwe, Africa, similar to ishalomi in Hebrew or ijamboi in Swahili. This original work features percussion, layered vocal patterns, and a joyful solo with both secular and sacred texts. An exciting concert procession or opener! –Hal Leonard
From the composer:
SORIDA is an original work rather than an arrangement. While serving at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, my husband, Dr. William C. Powell, director of the PSC Collegiate Choir, wanted an African song for the choir’s CD project. However, at the time, the music department could not afford to pay royalties for a published work. So I decided to research the possibility of arranging an African folksong. During my research, I came upon the word “SORIDA” which is an African greeting of brotherhood and unity. Additionally, I found an African children’s song that plays on the syllables of the word “sorida”. So, utilizing the syllables as a foundation (so-ri-da, ri-da, ri-da), the song developed. I composed my own lyrics, melody, and harmonies that might represent the meaning and far-reaching scope of SORIDA . After the choir used the song for its title track, I did not plan to have the song published. However, Dr. Andre Thomas, conductor, (Florida State University) heard the song through a mutual friend and called to say that he wanted it published and wanted to use it immediately. So, of course, I jumped at the opportunity to have Dr. Thomas expose my work (as did Hal Leonard)!
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SATB Caribbean-influenced song, accompanied. Written in a joyful, Caribbean folk style, this original work is buoyant and uplifting for many concert occasions. Available for SATB and ShowTrax CD. –Hal Leonard
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Setting the poetry of the same title by Langston Hughes, this text addresses “our problem world” with the hope that those who dare to dream can “make our world anew”. The composer sought to capture, in concert form, the jazz influences harmonically that were such a part of Hughes’ world. She sought to utilize harmonic colors that could be both “dark” (representing “our problem world”) and “bright” (“our world anew”) dependent upon the listener’s perspective. In her mind, the composer imagined Hughes, in his apartment, in solitude, reading the paper, overwhelmed by the realities of America’s present state, yet daring to dream of a better day. Almost in a state of trance, he makes his way to the busy streets of New York, reaching out his hand to passersby–those of like mind who will join him in being a catalyst for positive change. Many respond positively and joyfully to his invitation and begin to reach out to others. This idea is expressed in the last section of the song as parts enter successively singing, “I reach out my hand to you,” then join in one voice. For a few moments, everyone one reaches out to everyone else in love and peace. In the final phrase of the song “to sit and dream,” Hughes awakens– the newspaper headlines still before him–and resolves that he may never see such a day, except when he sits and dreams.
Singers and audiences, alike, will love this wonderful song that is great for concert, ecumenical and unity services, and any venue where the message of peace and hope are welcome!