Aloha Spirit: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Ruth Morris Gray
Item: 00-PO-0006894
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
The word "aloha" is much more than just a greeting---it has a deeper meaning that conveys cultural beliefs about how to treat others. This rhythmic original by Ruth Morris Gray celebrates the five traits of aloha, sung in Hawaiian, and then defines them in English. The two independent lines are a perfect fit when later combined. A few enthusiastic handclaps during the intro and interlude add excitement. Chord symbols are provided for optional ukuleles or sing with the island-inspired SoundTrax.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006894
More about this title
About the Composer: Ruth Morris Gray
Ruth Morris Gray brings two decades of classroom experience to her compositions, having directed choirs and taught piano at Rosemead High School since 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Composition from Biola University and a Master of Arts in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara, credentials that anchor her work in both technical craft and pedagogical understanding.
With over 100 published choral compositions to her name, Gray has established herself as a prolific voice in accessible choral literature. Beyond the page, she remains an active musician and educator who values cultural storytelling through song.
Why we love this
Gray's setting captures something genuine about cultural meaning and values without reducing them to surface-level exoticism. The pairing of Hawaiian text with English definitions creates a teaching moment that feels organic to the music itself, and the independent two-part lines give emerging choirs the confidence that comes from singing real harmony.
What to expect
Rhythmic energy and island warmth define this setting. The piece moves with purposeful momentum, inviting singers and listeners alike into a celebration of how we treat one another, grounded in the genuine spirit of a Hawaiian concept rather than generic tropical feeling.
Who it's for
This piece serves middle school and early high school choirs seeking accessible two-part repertoire with cultural depth. It works equally well for programs wanting to diversify their choral library and for directors teaching students about aloha values through music-making.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the handclap pattern during early rehearsals as a rhythmic anchor; once singers feel secure with their own lines, the percussion layer adds energy without becoming a distraction.
- Treat the Hawaiian text with intentional diction work before full rehearsals. Vowel clarity and sustained tone quality matter more than perfect pronunciation, and students respond well to learning the cultural context alongside the sounds.
- If adding ukuleles, prepare a separate sectional with interested players so chord symbols are reinforced and the strumming pattern sits comfortably against the vocal lines.
How to use it
Program this as a spring concert feature or cultural celebration performance where it can anchor a set exploring values-based themes. The piece also serves well in educational contexts where discussion of cultural traditions naturally extends before or after the performance.
Skills your students will build
- Two-part independence and harmonic blend
- Diction and resonance in non-English text
- Rhythmic precision with added percussion elements
- Cultural context and respectful engagement with music outside Western classical tradition