Un Poquito Cantas: SSA Choral Octavo
(A Little Singing)
Spanish Folk Song / arr., with additional words, by Dave and Jean Perry
Item: 00-PO-0006369
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
"Take a little singing, and a little dancing, add a little 'le-lo-la,' like the happy yellow bird." This sprightly Spanish folk song is reminiscent of a singing canary, and is a delight to perform! Lighthearted lyrics in both English and Spanish (with pronunciation guide) are included, and suggestions for an optional Latin percussion ensemble lead the way to a lively tango.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0006369
More about this title
About the Arranger: Dave Perry
Dave Perry is an arranger with deep roots in choral music education. His work across multiple publishers demonstrates a gift for taking folk material and traditional songs, adapting them with care for both musical integrity and classroom practicality.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the playfulness of the original folk melody while giving your SSA singers a genuinely fun rehearsal and performance experience. The bilingual text with pronunciation guide removes barriers for choirs less familiar with Spanish, and the optional Latin percussion ensemble adds texture without requiring every singer to master additional instrumentation.
What to expect
Bright and bouncy, with the rhythmic swagger of a tango underfoot. The Spanish folk melody carries an almost comic warmth, as if the song itself is smiling at the listener. When the "le-lo-la" sections arrive, the energy lifts into something almost effervescent.
Who it's for
SSA choirs looking for a concert or festival piece with genuine personality and cultural breadth. The accessibility of both the vocal range and the bilingual text makes this work for middle school through early high school groups, and the optional instrumentation keeps advanced ensembles engaged.
How to get the most out of it
- Bring out the canary-like quality of the melody by encouraging singers to shape phrases with lightness and clarity. The narrative about the yellow bird should feel present in every phrase.
- If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse singers to listen for their entrance cues. The tango rhythm is propulsive, so precision in attacks matters.
- Balance the English and Spanish sections intentionally. The "le-lo-la" sections work best when sung with a consistent rhythmic pocket that doesn't rush.
- Consider staggering percussion entry if you build toward the Latin ensemble. Let the chorus establish the tango groove first, then add instrumental color.
How to use it
Position this as a second-half opener or closer on a concert program. Its lightness and bilingual text pair well on programs that emphasize cultural diversity or world music. It also works beautifully as a festival piece where visibility and audience connection matter.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing Spanish text with accurate pronunciation
- Singing in a rhythmically driven tango style without dragging or rushing
- Blend and balance in SSA voicing across fast-moving harmonic changes
- Responding to optional Latin percussion cues and ensemble coordination