The Whole World Is Singing: Choral Instrumental Pak
By John Jacobson / By Tom Anderson
Item: 35-PK00034974
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Description
Enjoy this joyful celebration of the music of the world with this multicultural original. It includes phrases in over fourteen different languages and a great world drumming accompaniment. A super concert opener! Performance Time: Approx. 2:45
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00034974
More about this title
About the Composer: John Jacobson
John Jacobson's work has touched millions of young musicians. A recognized advocate for using music as a vehicle for service, he received recognition from President George Bush as a Point of Light award winner for connecting young performers with community involvement through the arts. His educational credentials include a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master's Degree in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.
Jacobson founded America Sings! Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to channeling student talent toward charitable work and community engagement. His prolific output spans musical theater, choral compositions, educational media, and publications used by music educators across the country. He has collaborated with major institutions including Walt Disney Productions and NBC, directing festival ensembles and broadcast performances featuring thousands of young singers at presidential inaugurations and national celebrations. His writing has appeared regularly in John Jacobson's Music Express Magazine, and his current work includes creative direction for JJ and Me, Inc., with publications through E.C. Schirmer Music Company and Alfred Publications.
Why we love this
Opening a concert with this piece signals something immediate: your program celebrates joy and connection across cultures. The layering of fourteen languages creates an unmistakable sense of inclusion, while the world drumming accompaniment offers rhythmic energy that audiences recognize instantly. You get a work that sounds ambitious and genuinely moving without demanding rehearsal time you don't have.
What to expect
Immediate warmth and optimism. The layered languages create a sonic tapestry that feels both intimate and expansive, while the world rhythm accompaniment gives the piece a forward momentum that carries through to the final note. This is music that makes audiences smile before the choir even opens their mouths.
Who it's for
Concert and festival choirs looking for an opener that energizes without exhausting rehearsal bandwidth. Choral directors programming multicultural festivals or shows with a service component will find this piece speaks directly to those values.
How to get the most out of it
- Invest time in the language pronunciation during early rehearsals. Native speakers in your ensemble can lead the charge, but get the entire choir on board with accurate vowels and consonants before locking in musical details.
- Let the world drums breathe. The accompaniment carries cultural authenticity that will shine if you resist the urge to rush the tempo or layer on dynamics prematurely.
- Build the energy arc deliberately across the 2:45 runtime. This is a concert opener, so start warm and focused rather than at full volume, leaving room to crescendo into the final sections.
- Stage the piece with intentional placement of percussion players where the audience can see them. The visual dimension of world drumming becomes part of the celebration when it's not hidden in the shadows.
How to use it
Use this as your opening statement on any concert where you want to signal inclusivity and joy from the downbeat. It works equally well as a festival opener, a community concert centerpiece, or the lead number in a program celebrating service and social awareness. The 2:45 length positions it perfectly as an energetic bridge into your next selection.
Skills your students will build
- Accurate diction and pronunciation across multiple world languages
- Listening to and responding to world percussion accompaniments
- Ensemble balance when navigating layered language textures
- Rhythmic precision against non-Western drum patterns
- Cultural awareness through direct engagement with global musical traditions