Cantamos: 2-Part Choral Octavo

DesJardins nails the balance between singability and contemporary sound that makes pop and Latin styles work in a choral setting. The piece respects the capabilities of younger or less experienced singers while delivering the rhythmic energy and harmonic color that makes audiences listen.

Cantamos radiates warmth and movement. The two-part writing opens space for both parts to breathe and carry the melody, creating an intimate yet energized sound that reflects the Spanish title's message of singing together.

This works for middle school through early high school choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that doesn't rely on oversimplified harmony. It's equally suited to community choirs and festival contexts where you want material that feels current and engaging.

• Lock the Latin rhythmic feel early in rehearsal by having singers internalize the pulse through body movement or light percussion accompaniment.
• Keep vowels unified and forward in the mouth during the faster pop sections to maintain clarity and brightness through the register breaks.
• Use the two parts to create conversational moments rather than treating them as stacked harmony; think call and response even when singing together.
• Lean into the festival context by encouraging performers to commit fully to the energy without oversinging the dynamic markings.

Pair this with other pop or world music selections to build a cohesive set, or use it as an accessible entry point into contemporary choral writing for younger singers who might find traditional concert repertoire distant. Its festival-ready character makes it ideal for pops concerts or community engagement events.

• Reading and sustaining rhythmic patterns in Latin styles
• Balancing two-part independence while maintaining ensemble blend
• Interpreting stylistic articulation and phrasing in pop contexts
• Managing vowel consistency across register changes
• Building confidence with contemporary harmonic language