John Leavitt has built a career writing accessible, musically substantial pieces for school and community ensembles. His arrangements and compositions consistently find their way into festival programs and concert seasons because they balance singability with genuine artistry. Leavitt understands what works in rehearsal rooms and concert halls alike, crafting pieces that challenge singers without overwhelming them.
Why we love this
African Alleluia captures genuine joy without sentimentality. The voicing options (TB through TTBB) mean you can use this whether your ensemble is building toward four-part singing or already there, and the multicultural content expands what your singers experience beyond standard repertoire. Leavitt's rhythmic vitality and clear harmonic writing make this a piece that sounds prepared quickly but rewards deeper musicianship.
What to expect
The piece radiates warmth and celebration. There's rhythmic energy throughout, but never frantic; the voicing feels open and resonant, giving singers room to hear themselves and each other. The African musical elements bring authenticity that lifts the piece beyond generic inspirational writing.
Who it's for
Men's choirs at the middle school level through adult community ensembles will find this immediately useful. Directors programming festivals or concert series that prioritize diverse cultural content will appreciate both the musical substance and the pedagogical clarity of Leavitt's writing.
How to get the most out of it
Let the rhythmic drive sit in your body before worrying about perfect blend. The piece gains its character from confident, unified pulse work across the sections.
Treat the African text and melody with the specificity it deserves. Research the pronunciation carefully so your singers own the words rather than approximate them.
Balance the chordal textures in the middle sections by rotating which voice carries the melodic weight. This prevents any section from sounding buried and keeps the harmonic interest alive.
How to use it
Place this where you want energy and cultural breadth on a concert. It works equally well as a closing piece for a lighter program or as an anchor in a set exploring global musical traditions. The modest page count makes it manageable to learn alongside more demanding repertoire.
Skills your students will build
Reading syncopated rhythms and cross-rhythms
Blending open vowels in sustained chords
Maintaining rhythmic independence within ensemble textures
Singing with accurate intonation across varied harmonic colors
Interpreting unfamiliar cultural text with musical respect
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