Let Us Talents And Tongues Employ (arr. John Leavitt): SAB Choral Octavo

John Leavitt's arrangement captures the buoyant energy of this Jamaican hymn while keeping the writing approachable for mixed voices without sacrificing depth. The SAB voicing distributes parts logically so singers at different reading levels stay engaged, and the text by Fred Kaan about using talents and voices for justice resonates strongly in contemporary choral contexts. Directors appreciate how this piece builds immediately without requiring extensive rehearsal time, freeing you to focus on musical nuance rather than technical survival.

Warm and intentional, this piece carries the joy of communal singing alongside a earnest message about service and mutual care. The melody sits comfortably in the voice and invites singers to connect emotionally with both the text and the folk tradition it represents.

This arrangement works well for church choirs, school choruses, and community singing groups seeking repertoire that combines spiritual depth with cultural authenticity. It suits choirs with mixed voice experience and limited rehearsal time, as the SAB texture is straightforward without being simplistic.

• Let the rhythmic swing of the melody drive the pulse naturally rather than conducting it rigidly; the folk idiom thrives on a relaxed, conversational feel.
• Balance the parts so the soprano line is present but not dominant, allowing the alto and bass voices to anchor the harmonic movement clearly.
• Emphasize the text articulation crisply, especially on syllables that fall on strong beats, to honor the song's origins in call-and-response traditions.
• Consider how dynamics can highlight the message of the text rather than treating them as arbitrary markings; build intensity toward moments of affirmation.

Pair this with other spirituals or global hymns to create a concert section celebrating music across cultures, or use it as an opener to establish an accessible, engaged tone early in a program. Its length and character make it suitable for liturgical settings, social justice themed concerts, or any occasion where you want music that speaks clearly without pretense.

• Reading and performing SAB voicing with secure harmonic independence
• Interpreting text with intention and cultural awareness
• Singing with rhythmic flexibility appropriate to folk idioms
• Balancing ensemble blend across three mixed voice parts