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Wakati wa Amani: 2-Part Choral Octavo

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Wakati wa Amani Cover Image

Wakati wa Amani: 2-Part Choral Octavo

(A Time of Peace -- Swahili)

Words and music by Sally K. Albrecht

Item: 00-27378

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Description
In any language, peace is a beautiful thing. Perform this African-style rhythmic number for a great cross-cultural addition to any concert or festival. The text alternates between English and Swahili, with a pronunciation guide/translation included in the publication. "Peace be with you, my friend, until we meet again." Choreography featured on "Razzamatazz!" DVD (item 00-27430).

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Wakati wa Amani: 2-Part Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081296388
SKU: 00-27378

More about this title

About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

Sally K. Albrecht

Sally K. Albrecht has shaped choral music education for over three decades, serving as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at major educational publishers, including Alfred Music. Her catalog includes more than 600 choral works and 75 musicals and songbooks, with compositions earning ASCAP Special Music Awards annually since 1987. She has guest-conducted honor choirs at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center, and holds degrees from Rollins College (B.A. in Music and Theater, 1976), the University of Miami (M.A. in Drama, 1977; M.M. in Accompanying, 1979). A native of Cleveland, Albrecht is particularly recognized for integrating movement and staging into choral performance.

Beyond composition, Albrecht has taught at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College. She served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and received the organization's "Pillar of Leadership" award. In 2021, she was honored with Distinguished Alumna Awards from both the University of Miami Frost School of Music and Rollins College, where she serves on the Board of Trustees. She lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina, with her husband, composer and arranger Jay Althouse.

Why we love this

Albrecht's gift for pairing rhythmic vitality with meaningful text makes this piece both engaging and substantive. The bilingual approach (English and Swahili) opens doors for genuine cross-cultural learning rather than surface-level diversity, and the included choreography transforms what could be a simple number into a memorable performance moment that audiences and singers alike will carry with them.

What to expect

Warm and inviting, this piece radiates the kind of openness that comes from genuine cultural exchange. The alternating English and Swahili text creates a musical conversation, and the rhythmic energy keeps the piece buoyant and celebratory rather than solemn.

Who it's for

Choirs seeking meaningful repertoire that speaks directly to themes of connection and goodwill will find this piece accessible and rewarding. The 2-part voicing makes it suitable for middle school through high school ensembles, especially those eager to add movement and staging to their performances.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lean into the African-style rhythmic character by encouraging singers to feel the pulse internally before adding movement; this clarity underneath the choreography will keep the performance grounded even as staging becomes more complex.
  • Work through the pronunciation guide carefully in early rehearsals, allowing singers to own the Swahili text confidently; when performers genuinely understand what they're singing, the message of peace lands with authenticity.
  • Reference the choreography featured on the Razzamatazz! DVD (item 00-27430) during blocking rehearsals to ensure staging complements the vocal line rather than competing for attention.

How to use it

Program this at festivals and community concerts where cross-cultural programming is a stated goal, or use it as a finale moment that brings audiences together around a universal message. The integration of movement makes it particularly effective as a concert closer or a bridge piece between more formally structured repertoire and a lighter, more interactive set.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing in a non-English language with accurate pronunciation
  • Coordinating rhythmic precision with choreographed movement
  • Understanding multicultural musical traditions and African rhythmic styles
  • Interpreting text across different languages to convey emotional meaning

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