It's a Wonderful World (Countries A-Z) Cover Image

It's a Wonderful World (Countries A-Z): Choral CD Kit

$59.99 USD
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It's a Wonderful World (Countries A-Z) Cover Image

It's a Wonderful World (Countries A-Z): Choral CD Kit

25 Unison Songs for Young Singers

By Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse

Grade: K--5

Item: 00-23472

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Description
These 25 unison songs are a perfect way for young singers to explore many exciting countries from around the world, plus develop a love of multicultural musical styles. From Austria to Zimbabwe, your students will cherish these singable songs. Perform the full collection as a 40-minute program, or choose your favorites to sing in class. It's 100% reproducible and 100% fun! It's a Wonderful World!

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 68
ISBN10: 0-7390-3656-4
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-3656-3
UPC: 038081237961
SKU: 00-23472

More about this title

About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

Sally K. Albrecht

Sally K. Albrecht has shaped choral education for over three decades as a composer, conductor, and clinician with particular expertise in movement-based choral teaching. Her catalog includes more than 600 published choral works and 75 songbooks and musicals; she has received the ASCAP Special Music Award annually since 1987 and conducted honor choirs at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center. She served for many years as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at Alfred Music and has taught in music departments at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College.

Albrecht earned her B.A. in Music and Theater from Rollins College in 1976, then continued at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, where she completed an M.A. in Drama and an M.M. in Accompanying. In 2021, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from both the University of Miami and Rollins College. She lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina, with her husband, composer and arranger Jay Althouse, and serves as a Board member for Rollins College.

Why we love this

Albrecht and Althouse have crafted 25 genuinely singable unison melodies that don't talk down to young voices or sacrifice musical interest. The alphabetical countries framework creates a built-in narrative arc that keeps engagement high across 40 minutes, while the reproducible format means you can extract individual songs for classroom singing, assembly performances, or full concert programming without licensing restrictions.

What to expect

A musical passport that opens windows to unfamiliar places while celebrating the joy of singing together. The variety of world styles and accessible melodies creates a sense of discovery without ever feeling forced or overly complex.

Who it's for

Elementary and early middle school choirs, general music classes, and music specialists seeking multicultural repertoire that reflects the world their students inhabit. Teachers working with unison ensembles will appreciate songs pitched for young, developing voices that still offer musical substance and arrangement interest.

How to get the most out of it

  • Introduce each song with a brief cultural fact or geography moment about the featured country; young singers remember music better when they connect it to place and story.
  • Use the recorded accompaniments to establish tempo and style before rehearsals; let students hear the full arrangement so they know what sound you're building toward.
  • Layer in simple choreography or movement cues during rehearsal, especially for songs with rhythmic or dance-like qualities; Albrecht's background in movement-based teaching means these songs often suggest natural physical responses.

How to use it

Perform the entire collection as a standalone 40-minute concert featuring the countries of the world, or hand-pick individual songs to complement a broader program theme. These unison arrangements also work beautifully as opening or closing pieces for school assemblies, international celebration events, or diversity-focused concerts.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing unison melodies with accurate pitch and rhythm
  • Recognizing and performing musical styles from different cultures
  • Building confidence as ensemble singers through accessible, singable material
  • Connecting music to geography and cultural awareness

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