Kwanzaa Suite: A Musical Celebration

The History and Meaning of Kwanzaa in Song

Historical Background, Narration and Nine Original Songs in Unison or Two Parts with piano and percussion accompaniment

Words and Music by Stan Spottswood

ISBN 0-937203-96-3 $35

Stan Spottswood, a dynamic music educator and choral director, composer and gospel pianist, has composed nine memorable songs in a variety of styles that shine a musical light on the history and meaning of Kwanzaa. Perfect for winter concerts or Kwanzaa celebrations in school, home or community settings, these songs may be sung individually or, with the included narration, as a complete 35-minute program.

The Guide Includes:

• History, meaning and traditions of Kwanzaa
• Copy-OK Resource guide
• Copy-OK Full narration for each song
• Copy-OK Lyric sheets
• Performance suggestions; Orff instrument parts for some of the songs; movement suggestions; rehearsal suggestions

The Copy-OK Songs: (Accompanied by piano, optional bass and simple percussion, with movement suggestions)

Kwanzaa (a brief history of the celebration)-upbeat contemporary song

Nguzo Saba: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa-kinda funky, strong bass riff underneath

Umoja (Unity)-a poignant, soaring ballad with a gospel feel

Kujichagulia (Self Determination)-full easy percussion ensemble with short melody and rap section; optional Orff instrument arrangement

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)-energetic interwoven voices and meaningful rap, hip-hop style

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)-melody with optional Orff instrument arrangement and dramatic improvisation

Nia (Purpose)-syncopated rhythm with a melody evocative of northern Africa

Kuumba (Creativity)-driving percussion and strong melody and propulsive Afro-Caribbean rhythm, with a rap section

Imani (Faith)-a stirring ballad with an R&B feel

The Hour-long CD Includes:

• Part A: A complete performance featuring members of the Appalachian Children's Choir and a combo led by Stan Spottswood.
• Part B: Exciting Accompaniment tracks featuring the Stan Spottswood Combo

About the composer, Stanley A. Spottswood

Stan Spottswood is a graduate of the University of Charlestown, West Virginia, where he received a BA in Music Education and Piano Performance. He also holds Levels I, II and III Certification in Orff-Schulwerk. He was music instructor and choir director at Roosevelt Junior High School from 1987-1994. Since 1994 he has been a music instructor and choir director in the Kanawha County (WV) public schools, working with students in grades K-6 as well as teaching piano and voice privately. In addition, Stan is the founder of the Kanawha Children's Music Festival.

Since 1996 he has been involved with the African American Heritage Arts Camp, as an instructor and most recently, director, and has worked with church groups as a minister of music and musical director of both adult and youth choirs. The Gospel recording "He is Worthy" features songs written, arranged and performed by Stan. (His impromptu gospel piano accompaniments are legendary, especially during late-night sessions of African-American songs at the National Orff Schulwerk Conferences of the past few years.) The Appalachian Children's choir has commissioned choral works from him, and he has served as a guest conductor for the choir. In 2000 he founded Stanspott Music, providing lessons, scoring and arranging music, and offering workshops in gospel and jazz approaches to Orff-Schulwerk, music for Kwanzaa, and in integrating music across the curriculum to enhance learning of reading, writing and arithmetic. His Book/CD set, Music Tools for Educators was released in 2002.