Abstract
Choral music programs in the United States (U.S.) often emphasize Eurocentric music. Some directors avoid culturally diverse music out of fear of cultural appropriation or their inexperience with music outside the Western European choral canon. The purpose of this project was to create an original composition that is accessible to beginner SATB mixed choirs using the Hmong and Karen languages and melodic techniques, alongside Western European harmony and voice leading procedures. The majority of students at HOPE Community Academy are Hmong and Karen, but they have had little experience with the music of their cultures. Students wrote lyrics and I composed music for an original piece called “Hope Is.” The piece uses pentatonic melodies, a polyphonic texture, Western European harmony, and a common pop verse-refrain form for a choral piece that can be performed by beginning and advanced choirs. Included is a literature review of non-English choral music in the U.S., definitions of culturally relevant pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching in the choral classroom, research of common experiences by multilingual learners, and Hmong and Karen history and culture. Choral directors are encouraged to co-create a piece with their own students which highlights their students’ culture at an appropriate level for their choir.