James Desjardins

A lively piece for two-part treble voices, Cantamos celebrates the power of singing while its spicy accompaniment moves every line forward in a lively dance until the very last 'Sing!Â'

This piece speaks of hope, compassion, and unity. Sung in both English and Swahili (pronunciation provided), with narration opportunities, the solemn accompaniment supports the plaintive and compellin...

This vibrant arrangement of the beloved African American spiritual Peace Like a River brings a fresh perspective to a timeless classic. Written for two-part treble choirs, the piece showcases a partne...

SA Voices with Keyboard With an electrifying piano accompaniment, James DesJardins has set this spiritual on fire! It works amazingly as a closing piece for your concert. Duration: 2:17.

Dawa ya moto ni moto is a Swahili proverb that means "Medicine for fire is fire." English speakers are probably familiar with the phrase "Fight fire with fire." This piece expresses the most positive...

Vine and Fig Tree is a vibrant three-part treble arrangement with three independent melodies that weave together seamlessly. Incorporating a Hebrew peace text, Lo Yissa Goy, the piece highlights theme...

Dawa ya moto ni moto is a Swahili proverb that means "Medicine for fire is fire." English speakers are probably familiar with the phrase "Fight fire with fire." This piece expresses the most positive...

From its first line of text, Psalm of Earth takes the listener on a journey through the wonder of creation that surrounds us. Subtle harmonic surprises in the music reflect a touch of the unexpected a...

In this piece, ensembles experience the traditional "Gloria" text in the context of uneven meter and mixolydian tonality. The meter consistently follows a pattern of 2+2+3. Performers can strengthen t...

Take a wild ride on the rolling waves as The Sailor describes the feelings, sights and sounds of an exciting voyage. An unusual meter of 5 and Mixolydian mode bring a distinctive sound to this seafari...

Arise is a powerful and energetic piece for SA voices, built on a text that affirms strength in the face of hardship: "When I fall, I shall arise." Set in a driving 7/8 meter, the music maintains a co...

With one voice, with one mind, with one soul, let us live this life. Each of us is all of us. DesJardin's empowering, uplifting text infused with rhythmic energy anda cool optional djembe percussion m...

'With one voice, with one mind, with one soul, let us live this life. Each of us is all of us.' DesJardin's empowering, uplifting text infused with rhythmic energy and a cool optional djembe percussio...

This setting breathes new life into the old nursery rhyme. An uneven and unusual meter adds a touch of whimsical excitement to the ride along with an accompaniment that feels both playful and regal. B...

At Dawn, a beautiful work for three-part choir with piano and optional violin, celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of a sunrise. The piece contrasts the excitement of nature awaiting the dawn-which is...

I'm Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing combines musical elements of traditional African music and Protestant church music. Inspirational and great fun to sing, with optional claps and hand moves, si...

This ancient Hebrew text about unity still resonates with poignant significance. The distinctive sound of the Hebrew language as expressed through this hauntingly beautiful melody transports performer...

Playful, jazzy, and immensely fun to learn and sing, DesJardin's Babylon is based on the well-known rhyme How Far is it to Babylon? The text, rich with hidden meaning, is further accentuated by the pl...

There are many unique sounds during a big storm that one never forgets. Storm adds body percussion and a drum to realistically depict sounds one might hear. These sounds, coupled with the frenetic tem...