Let Us Talents And Tongues Employ (arr. John Leavitt): Choral Instrumental Pak

Leavitt's instinct for what makes a traditional melody soar in a contemporary setting is on full display here. The addition of optional hand chimes transforms a straightforward spiritual arrangement into something that feels transportive, creating a sonic palette that serves the text without overwhelming it. You get a piece that works equally well as a meaningful anthem or as a concert centerpiece that genuinely moves people.

Joy and inclusion radiate from this arrangement. The harmonic language is warm without being cloying, and there's an openness to the writing that invites singers to participate fully rather than navigate complexity. The optional percussion parts add sparkle and movement that captures something authentically celebratory about the text.

Any choir looking for a sacred piece with genuine cross-cultural integrity and approachable voice parts. This works equally well for church choirs, community choirs, and school programs with a spiritual or world music focus. The optional hand chimes make it especially attractive to ensembles that want to expand beyond traditional accompaniment.

• Balance the percussion parts carefully so hand chimes enhance rather than compete with the voices. In rehearsal, have the choir sing through sections without the instrumental parts first, then layer them in gradually.
• The Jamaican roots of this melody benefit from a rhythmic lift in the tempo. Avoid letting it settle into a sluggish pace; the "islands feel" depends on forward motion and a sense of joy.
• If hand chimes are unavailable, the piece stands perfectly well as a vocal arrangement. Don't feel obligated to acquire instruments if budget doesn't allow; the core arrangement is complete without them.
• Rehearse the hand chime players independently from the choir when possible. These parts require precision and consistent rhythmic clarity to land the intended harmonic color.

This works beautifully as a closing number for a concert focused on faith, community, or world music traditions. It also serves as an excellent bridge piece within a longer set, providing textual and stylistic contrast while maintaining a cohesive emotional arc. The accessible vocal writing makes it suitable for mixed-level ensembles, so you can confidently program it even if your group includes less experienced singers.

• Singing in accessible but harmonically interesting mixed voicing
• Responding to world music stylistic cues in rehearsal and performance
• Ensemble blend with optional instrumental parts
• Connecting text expression to rhythmic and harmonic content