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Repertoire & Resources - Children's Choirs

translation, providing an easy lead- rious thematic content, as educators, Of course, the work is imperfect and
ership opportunity (Figure 12). it is better to lean into these tough there are hardships. There seems to
Singing has always been a vehicle subjects rather than shield students never be enough time or resources
for communication. From the story- from them. This work is available and this can bleed into a conductor’s
telling bards of early music, to mor- in French and English. The piece is eff orts in searching for appropriate
al-imparting folk songs, to the more highly teachable, with largely homo- repertoire as well. The provided list
modern social justice literature, it phonic texture, supportive accompa- of pedagogical elements to discover
is important to discover text that is niment, and a memorable melody. in children’s choral repertoire is not
meaningful and impactful. Music for Antognini cleverly clears the way meant as a short cut, but a helping

music’s sake is fine, but the message for the text to shine in this poignant hand to make the task of literature
you impart to your singers with the and heart- wrenching work. Much research less daunting. The rep-
texts you choose can thoroughly af- discussion could occur in an ensem- ertoire examples are high-quality
fect their response to the music. Ivo ble about the social injustices in our works and are written by up-and-
Antognini’s Excuse me, I don’t under- world and what we as musicians can coming composers in the children’s

stand [Pardon, j’ai pas bien compris] is a do about it (Figure 13). choral field. These composers hail
powerful two-part treble piece that The field of a choral conducting is from all over the world and provide

discusses hunger and violence in a as enjoyable as it is important. Con- a diverse array of repertoire for
modern world, and the desire for ductors work in their passion and get young singers to perform. It is hoped

peace. While the text may be con- to affect change by imparting that joy that the elements within the featured
sidered controvsersial due to the se- on to generations of music-makers. repertoire will aid educators around

66 CHORAL JOURNAL June/July 2021 Volume 61 Number 11