Imvula! We Dance in the Rain

Imvula! We Dance in the Rain is a spirited and syncopated a cappella song based on the traditional Xhosa South African children's singing game. In this adaptation, a prayer to the ancestors for rain in the dry savannah has been answered and the children dance in the rain. Arranged for SSA with solo voices and a descant in the latter section this piece is suitable for junior high or high school level voices. Unison singing in the beginning turns into a round. A solo voice with newer lyrics enters with percussion and then all voices move into traditional 3-part harmonies found in choral music of South Africa. Later, a descent enhances the harmony. The song then returns to 3 separate parts of the original melody and concludes with a final cadence. Traditional motions and steps for the song are included.