RIUH (Chaotic Joy)!
Available for SATB & vocal/instrumental percussion
Duration: 3:05
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
RIUH = Malay for “roaring, noisy, loud, boisterous, outburst”
Available for SATB & vocal/instrumental percussion
Duration: 3:05
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
RIUH = Malay for “roaring, noisy, loud, boisterous, outburst”
This work is commissioned by the Artistic Committee of World Symposium on Choral Music 2023, to be performed by the Vancouver Youth Choir (Carrie Tennant, Artistic Director), one of the featured choirs. The piece draws inspiration from discussions with Carrie Tennant about her needs for VYC’s concert program: “…folk-focused…joy and chaos… percussion… outside the box of traditional choral music…”
When thinking about “joy and chaos”, the Malay word riuh embodies this expression. The music captures this through quirky word and vocal play, juxtaposition of calm amidst chaos while making room for both noise and joy. There is also the opportunity to feature improvisation by a beatboxer, vocal percussionist, or instrumental percussionist. Therefore, the piece allows each choir to explore their unique artistic interpretation and non-traditional performance style… in chaotic joy!
The music also features Malay text by the eclectic and soulful Malaysian vocal artist and long-time friend, Bihzhu. This is what “chaotic joy” means to her:
“There is liberation when we’re able to embrace chaos with joy, a sense of vitality, of feeling fully alive. And within that energy a knowing, and a certainty, that everything is at the right place and the right time, and this is but one thread in the woven tapestry of life.”
I am grateful to the Artistic Committee of World Symposium on Choral Music 2023 (International Federation for Choral Music) for commissioning me to create this work, Bihzhu for the joyous text, Cherie Chai for her vocal percussion-related advice, Vancouver Youth Choir for being the best instrument to bring this piece to life, and Carrie Tennant for her artistic vision. It is an honour to be a part of this meaningful collaboration!
- Tracy Wong, December 2022
About the lyricist:
With a dynamic range that defies genres, Penang-born nightingale BIHZHU is blseed with a rich, soulful voice that is hauntingly evocative one moment, and spiritedly rousing the next. Bihzhu’s genuine songcraft transcends pain and heartache to celebrate life, and love. Whilst her enchanting brand of “heart music” charms its way to your emotional core, her signature harmonies and uplifting vibes have left audiences finger-snapping, foot-tapping, and dancing; whether at intimate acoustic concerts or at music festivals all over Malaysia, Australia, South Koera, China, Indonesia, and India.
www.bihzhu.com
IG / Twitter / FB / YT / Spotify: @bihzhu
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and performance style.
Learning Resources for “RIUH (Chaotic Joy)”
Learning tracks & pronunciation guide can be purchased HERE! Contact Tracy if you would also like to have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out “RIUH (Chaotic Joy)! for SATB & vocal/instrumental percussion.
Performed by Tracy Wong, Aaron Teoh, Joel Wong, Cherie Chai.
Performed by Vancouver Youth Choir, Carrie Tennant (Artistic Director), featuring Cameron Holland.
Lenggang Kangkung
Available for 2-part treble, perc., opt. flute
Duration: 03:12
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Available for 2-part treble, perc., opt. flute
Duration: 03:12
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
“Lenggang Kangkung” is a rhythmic arrangement of a well-known folksong from the Malay archipelago, created for 2-part treble choir, percussion, and claps. This song features simple, catchy, and repetitive melodies. Folksongs from this region are usually lively and festive, introduce new vocabulary and encourage children to sing freely. The lyrics often tells a story or bear advice which are intended for young people, although some are humorously written and are meant to entertain.
“Lenggang Kangkung” suggests the story of a person moving leisurely in a carefree manner (lenggang), like a water spinach (kangkung) swaying/dancing by the paddy field or marsh. It goes on to describe their return home from working at the fields only to eat plain rice. The arrangement features word and vocal play merged with folkloric elements – hints of quartal harmonies and dance-like/swaying rhythmic groove - that are spun through a musically-contemporary lens.
My gratitude to iSing Silicon Valley and their Artistic Directors and Co-Founders, Shane Troll and Jennah Delp, for commissioning me to create this work as part of their 10th Anniversary celebration of their choral organization (Spring 2023). It is an honour to be a part of this meaningful collaboration!
- Tracy Wong, January 2023
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and performance style.
Learning Resources for “Lenggang Kangkung”
Learning tracks can be purchased HERE! Do contact Tracy if you would like her to workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out the studio version of “Lenggang Kangkung” sung by Tracy on Spotify & YouTube!
World Premiere by iSing Silicon Valley & Shane Troll (co-Artistic Director & co-founder), May 2023.
Choreographed by Mohamad Fairuz Mohamad Tauhid & Tracy Wong.
la li ley
Available for 4-part treble, a cappella.
Duration: 03:06
Exclusively distributed by Hinshaw Music as part of the Pearl Shangkuan series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Available for 4-part treble, perc.
Duration: 03:06
Exclusively distributed by Hinshaw Music as part of the Pearl Shangkuan series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
la li ley is a lively and joyful composition for 4-part treble choir. It is a nod to two Malay folksongs in different ways: the text / vocables is inspired by a portion of “Canggung” (la la li la ley), and the main theme is inspired by the opening motif of “Mak Inang”. This work features exciting vocal play merged with folkloric elements - quartal harmonies, dance-like rhythms, and shifting tonality - that are spun through a musically-contemporary lens.
This piece was commissioned by the Virginia Choral Directors Association for their 2024 Virginia All-State SSAA Choir, conducted by Pearl Shangkuan!
- Tracy Wong, September 2023
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and performance style.
Learning Resources for “la li ley”!
Learning tracks can be purchased HERE! Do contact Tracy if you would like her to workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out the studio version of “la li ley” sung by Tracy!
COMING SOON: World Premiere by 2024 Virginia All-State Treble Choir & Pearl Shangkuan, April 2024.
Kira!
Available for 3-part treble, perc.
Duration: 03:23
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Available for 3-part treble, perc.
Duration: 03:23
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
Kira = count
This playful original composition for 3-part treble choir and percussion is a nod to Malay folksongs that merge counting/play (common in some childhood games) and sage advice. It also celebrates elders in my larger Malaysian community who impart life teachings to young people in a fun and accessible way. I am drawn to this tradition for its beauty in having music as form of inter-generational community building.
The work features word and vocal play merged with folkloric elements - quartal harmonies, dance-like rhythms, and shifting tonality - that are spun through a musically-contemporary lens. Besides counting-singing from one to eight in Malay, the text is based on a few well-known Malay proverbs.
I am grateful to the Colorado Children’s Chorale and Emily Crile (Artistic Director) for commissioning me to create this work for their Spring 2023 concert – Time to Shine. It was an honour to be in a week-long residence with the Chorale community and be a part of this meaningful celebration.
- Tracy Wong, January 2023
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and performance style.
Learning Resources for “Kira!”
Learning tracks can be purchased HERE! Do contact Tracy if you would like her to workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out the studio version of “Kira!” sung by Tracy!
World Premiere by Colorado Children’s Chorale & Dr. Tracy Wong, April 2023.
Terang (Bright)
Available for 3-part treble, percussion
Duration: 3:16
Published by Indianapolis Children’s Choir Publishing House (distributed by Beckenhorst Press Inc.). Purchase this piece HERE!
Available for 3-part treble, percussion
Duration: 3:16
Published by Indianapolis Children’s Choir Publishing House (distributed by Beckenhorst Press Inc.). Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
This commissioned work draws inspiration from the fading performance art of the Malay-Kelantanese Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) tradition and the mythologies and music that are a part of it. I am drawn to this artform for its equal beauty in light and shadow, whereby the latter does not bear negative connotations.
The work features word and vocal play, quartal harmonies versus silence, and vague tonality, all of which captures the spirit of the shadow puppet tradition through a musically contemporary lens.
The text is based on a Malay proverb, “Orang seorang, orang mati; orang berdua, berkira bicara,” meaning “a person alone, dies (alone); (but) two people together will talk / discuss / converse.” This could apply for any individuals, in life and/or leadership. I envision “orang” (person) to also represent the dark and light elements whereby both needs each other to function, and neither can be significant on its own.
I am grateful to the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Joshua Pedde (Artistic Director) for commissioning me to create this work, marking it my first commission by an American choir!
- Tracy Wong, June 2023
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops!
Learning Resources for “Terang (Bright)”
Learning tracks are available for purchase! Contact Tracy if you would purchase them, and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out the studio recording of Terang (Bright), sung by Tracy!
World Premiere of Terang (Bright) by
Indianapolis Children’s Choir & Joshua Pedde, artistic director. May 2023.
Take This Gift
Available for 3-part treble, piano, hand drum
Duration: 3:10
Published by Oxford University Press as part of their Songbird Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Take This Gift
My feet are rooted to the ground (la la li la lay)
My voice is soaring in the skies (la la li la)
I am tied to the past, beautifully tangled with you
Hand in hand we look to the stars
Here, take this gift
It’s not mine to keep
Here, take this gift
Share it far so all may know
Let our love for singing grow
We are branches
Independent, intertwined
We are sunlight
Spreading warmth, dazzling bright
Here, take this gift
It’s not mine to keep
Here, take this gift
Share it far so all may know
Let our love for singing grow.
Available for 3-part treble, piano, hand drum
Duration: 3:10
Published by Oxford University Press as part of their Songbird Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
This optimistic piece is characterized by catchy, singable melodies and a syncopated rhythmic drive in the vocal and piano writing. The text was co-written by the composer and the vocal percussionist Cherie Chai, and celebrates the life-long relationships created and nurtured within the choral community.
It is beautifully suited as a joyous “parting gift” for choirs commemorating anniversaries, ending of seasons, graduations, or farewells, this piece honours the priceless gift of shared choral experiences.
It has been said that one finds life-long friends in choir. I am fortunate that this is true for me. One of these friends is Cherie Chai, a Singaporean choral conductor, arranger, vocal & instrumental percussionist, audio engineer, and singer I met through the Asia Pacific Youth Choir (International Federation for Choral Music) in 2011. We have since collaborated (and toured!) on a variety of choral projects, and this composition marks our first collaboration as lyricists. Thus, it is no surprise that the text for “Take This Gift” is meaningful to us, too.
The work features a particular light-hearted vocal play motif (“la la li la lay”) that is usually heard in “Canggung”, a Malay folk song. Together with hints of modal scales and supported by percussion, the piece merges folkloric elements with contemporary choral sounds.
Take This Gift was commissioned by Fort Wayne Children’s Choir to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the choral organization. It was an honour to be a part of this celebration!
- Tracy Wong, June 2023
About the co-lyricist:
Cherie is the first full-time female vocal percussionist (VP) in Singapore, and the music director and resident arranger for award-winning a cappella group, 1023. In the 2022 Voices - A Festival of Song, organised by Esplanade Singapore, Cherie featured as part of MI6, an all-star team of Singaporean choral conductors, leading the inaugural Voices Festival Choir in several notable performances.
Cherie has also worked with regional and Singaporean performers, putting up multi-dimensional shows featuring collaborations between musical instruments and vocal percussion.
In striving for continued personal improvement, Cherie was part of the inaugural intake of YES Academy Singapore, a renowned artist mentorship programme by American Voices, designed to develop musicians with skills in songwriting, arrangement, and production. As an educator, Cherie is the conductor of several Singapore school choirs, and coaches tertiary a cappella groups SUTD Vocomotives, NTU Harmonix & SIT Just Singers. She frequently conducts a cappella & vocal percussion workshops for schools, sharing her love for the art form with youths.
Instagram: @chaipercs
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops!
Learning Resources for “Take This Gift”
Learning tracks are available for purchase! Contact Tracy if you would purchase them, and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out the studio recording of Take This Gift, sung by Tracy and Cherie.
Fly!
Available for 2-part treble
Duration: 3:00
Published by Oxford University Press as part of their Songbird Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Available for 2-part treble, piano
Duration: 3:00
Published by Oxford University Press as part of their Songbird Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
This upbeat work sets a text by the Malaysian singer Bihzhu celebrating the collective excitement in exploring the unknown. The supportive piano accompaniment brings a hint of the Malaysian soundworld in its use of fourths, and minimal divisi in the vocal parts makes the piece accessible to a broad range of upper-voice choirs.
Fly! was commissioned by Colorado Children’s Chorale and Emily Crile (Artistic Director) for their Spring 2023 concert - Time to Shine. It was an honour to be in a week-long residence with the Chorale community and be a part of this meaningful celebration.
- Tracy Wong, June 2023
Fly!
There are doorways I must take
No one knows what awaits
But the fun lies in the unknown
They don’t happen to me
They only happen for me
Any choice takes me closer where I need to be.
Step out of your space
There’s a fear of falling
What if we fly?
What if we fly?
Fly! Let’s give it a try!
When the world tries to tell us
We need to fit into boxes
Let’s just dance our way out of the coloring lines
There’s a me-shaped space
That’s all mine to feel safe
A special place that I deserve to embrace.
About the lyricist & musical collaborator:
With a dynamic range that defies genres, Penang-born nightingale BIHZHU is blseed with a rich, soulful voice that is hauntingly evocative one moment, and spiritedly rousing the next. Bihzhu’s genuine songcraft transcends pain and heartache to celebrate life, and love. Whilst her enchanting brand of “heart music” charms its way to your emotional core, her signature harmonies and uplifting vibes have left audiences finger-snapping, foot-tapping, and dancing; whether at intimate acoustic concerts or at music festivals all over Malaysia, Australia, South Koera, China, Indonesia, and India. www.bihzhu.com
IG / Twitter / FB / YT / Spotify: @bihzhu
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops!
Learning Resources for “Fly!”
Learning tracks are available for purchase! Contact Tracy if you would purchase them, and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out the studio recording of Fly!, sung by Tracy.
World Premiere by Colorado Children’s Chorale & Dr. Tracy Wong, April 2023.
Jauh/Dekat (Far/Near)
Available for SATB a cappella
Duration: ~3:41
A bouncy contemporary a cappella piece based on Malay proverbs about travels, journeys, and humility.
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Available for SSAATTBB a cappella
Duration: ~3:45
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
Jauh/Dekat (Far/Near) is based on the following Malay proverbs about travels, journeys, and humility:
Jauh di mata, dekat di hati - far from sight, (but) near at heart.
Lain padang, lain belalang - different field, different grasshopper. Observe different
customs in different lands.
Ikut resmi padi, semakin tunduk semakin berisi - follow the way of padi (rice plant), it bows lower the more it is filled. The more knowledgeable and experienced one is, the more humble one should be.
Set in a contemporary a cappella style, the bouncy rhythm suggests the excitement in walking forth to explore the unknown, and multiple changes in tonality is akin to one’s varied journeys. Another nod to Malay literature is the lyrical and ornamented solo in the second half of this piece which is inspired by syair (or sha’ir), a traditional form of Malay poetry that is usually recited / sung.
Jauh/Dekat (Far/Near) was commissioned in 2022 by Vancouver Youth Choir (Carrie Tennant, Artistic Director).
- Tracy Wong, March 2022
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and movement.
Learning Resources for “Jauh/Dekat (Far/Near)”!
Learning tracks available for purchase SOON!
Do contact Tracy if you would like her to workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out “Jauh/Dekat (Far/Near)” for SATB a cappella.
World Premiere by musica intima (Taka Shimojima, solo), April 2023.
Studio version performed by Tracy Wong, Aaron Teoh, and Joel Wong.
Sehati (One Heart)
Available for SATB, piano, percussion
Duration: 3:07
An uplifting piece that is rooted in acceptance and belonging.
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Available for SATB, piano, percussion
Duration: 3:07
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
Sehati = One Heart
Composer: Tracy Wong
Text/lyrics: Tracy Wong & Mohd Fairuz bin Mohd Tauhid
Sehati is an uplifting piece that is rooted in acceptance and belonging. It also humbly captures my gratitude and love for the choral community, a sanctuary for many. The music features the weaving of Malay folk elements into the contemporary Western choral setting. Small musical references of the popular Malay folk song Geylang Sipaku Geylang can be heard in sections of the piece. The words pulang bersama-sama (from the same folk song) encourage listeners to “come home” to a community that is “still here, together.”
The driving triplet rhythm is inspired by the contemporary style of joget, a popular and fast-paced Malay dance/music. The English and Malay text is co-written by Mohd. Fairuz bin Mohd. Tauhid and I, and represents the two languages that we were formally taught in Malaysian schools.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to RESOUND Choir and Thomas Burton, their Artistic Director, for commissioning this choral piece!
- Tracy Wong, December 2021
About the lyricist:
Mohd Fairuz bin Mohd Tauhid (b. 1982) is a choreographer, dancer, singer-songwriter, and performance artist. Currently based in Malaysia, Fairuz regularly choreographs for TV, film productions, and nation-wide advertisements. His career on the performance stage includes leading roles in multiple Malaysian musical productions (eg. Puteri Gunung Ledang, The Musical, P. Ramlee, The Musical). His exploration in the world of song writing is based on, and inspired by movement, choreography, and his viewpoint on the world of dance in Malaysia. This can be heard in his self-released songs (available on iTunes and Spotify): TARIKU (My Dance), JOGETKU (My Joget), Ikutiku (Follow Me), and Zapinku (My Zapin).
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and performance style.
Learning Resources for “Sehati (One Heart)”
Learning tracks can be purchased HERE! Do contact Tracy if you would like her to workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out “Sehati (One Heart)” for SATB, piano, percussion.
Performed by RESOUND Choir, Thomas Burton (artistic director), Cheryl Duvall (collaborative pianist), Sam Kerr (percussionist), Danielle Coleman-Pollock (solo).
Recorded at Glenn Gould Studio CBC, December 2022.
Recording and Mastering by Ron Searles. Videography and Editing by Ryan Harper.
ANTARA (Between)
Available for SSAATTBB a cappella
Duration: ~3:45
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Available for SSAATTBB a cappella
Duration: ~3:45
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
ANTARA (Between) was commissioned in 2021 by Exultate Chamber Singers (Mark Ramsay, Artistic Director) on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. This piece is a musical expression of being “in between” and the celebration of human resilience. The music reflects this through texts by Malay lyricist Mohamad Fairuz bin Mohamad Tauhid, which suggests that strength, in times of conflict, comes from recognizing on our growth and embracing discomfort. This is explored in various sections through asymmetry (being in limbo), pedal points (stillness), and rhythmic drive (anxious / anticipation / excitement). The loose rondo form allows the theme (“antara”) to return in between sections of these musical thoughts.
- Tracy Wong, September 2021
About the lyricist:
Mohd Fairuz bin Mohd Tauhid (b. 1982) is a choreographer, dancer, singer-songwriter, and performance artist. Currently based in Malaysia, Fairuz regularly choreographs for TV, film productions, and nation-wide advertisements. His career on the performance stage includes leading roles in multiple Malaysian musical productions (eg. Puteri Gunung Ledang, The Musical, P. Ramlee, The Musical). His exploration in the world of song writing is based on, and inspired by movement, choreography, and his viewpoint on the world of dance in Malaysia. This can be heard in his self-released songs (available on iTunes and Spotify): TARIKU (My Dance), JOGETKU (My Joget), Ikutiku (Follow Me), and Zapinku (My Zapin).
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and performance style.
Learning Resources for “ANTARA (Between)”
Learning tracks coming soon! Contact Tracy if you would also like to purchase learning tracks and pronunciation guide, and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out “ANTARA (Between)” for SSAATTBB a cappella.
Performed by Exultate Chamber Singers & Dr. Mark Ramsay (artistic director) at PODIUM 2022 – Choral Canada’s National biennial bilingual choral conference and festival.
Breathe
Available for SAB & piano
Duration: approx. 4:04
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase HERE.
SAB and piano
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase HERE.
About the piece
“Breathe is a meditation on places and things in nature that bring me peace and reminds me of my humanity, reminds me to breathe.”
– Ella Latta Suazo
Songwriter’s Bio: Ella Latta Suazo's love of the arts has made her into a self-proclaimed Jack of Many Trades. She is a singer, song writer, multi-instrumentalist and lover of choral music. Her love of creating extends further as she is also a visual artist and craftsperson. Centred in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ella is Wilfrid Laurier University graduate from their trailblazing Community Music program, and she seeks to encourage others to find their own creative potential through her art and arts facilitation.
Songwriter’s Notes: “From a humid mossy river bank in a west coast forest, to an expansive shoreline, a summer rainstorm, and finally to the day-to-day moments of nature peeking through in city life: Breathe is a meditation on places and things in nature that bring me peace and reminds me of my humanity, reminds me to breathe.”
- Ella Latta Suazo
Arranger’s Notes: “It is a privilege to arrange Ella’s music for the Grand Philharmonic Youth Choir, of whom she is an alum of. Breathe showcases the beautiful partnership of heartfelt poetry and lyrical phrasing, supported by a gently-flowing accompaniment.”
- Tracy Wong
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece.
Learning Resources for “Breathe”
Learning tracks coming soon! Contact Tracy if you would also like to purchase learning tracks and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out “Breathe”
Performed by the members of the Grand Philharmonic Youth Choir. Note: final verse in this recording is different from the one in the sheet music, the sheet music is the updated version
Jong Jong Inai
Available for the following voicing: 2-part treble and 3-part treble & body percussion
Duration: approx. 1:50 (2-part treble) & 2:28 (3-part treble)
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase HERE (2-part treble) and HERE (3-part treble).
Available for 2-part treble or 3-part treble and body percussion.
Note: Each of the versions differ slightly. Please refer to sample recording below.
Duration: approx. 1:50 (2-part version) & 2:28 (3-part version)
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase HERE (2-part treble) and HERE (3-part treble).
About the piece
Jong Jong Inai is a Malay folk song about everyday life, with its origins from the state of Terengganu on East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Many communities in this state live by the sea and one would see children playing on the beaches. This Malay folk song is usually sung by children, passed down by their elders, while playing a game of tag. It is a hybrid story of nature, food, and a maiden’s incident. There are variations on the original meaning of this folk song, and this is one of them:
The song tells a story of a maiden, Mak Ipong (a maiden from the Rajawali village), who accidentally stubbed her big toe on the stump of the inai plant while bringing food to the Sultan.
SA version was commissioned by United Lithuanian Children’s Choir 2021.
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and movement.
Learning Resources for “Jong Jong Inai”
Contact Tracy if you would also like to purchase learning tracks and pronunciation guide, and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir with movements!
Learning tracks currently available for purchase from Tracy:
SSA version
Check out “Jong Jong Inai”
Recorded by Tracy Wong and mixed by Cherie Chai (Singapore)!
Bersatu Senada
Available in the following voicing: SATB & piano
Duration: ~3:50
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Available in SATB and piano.
Duration: ~3:50
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
Bersatu Senada (Together With One Voice) was commissioned in 2019 by Windsor Classic Chorale for the Windsor Choral Festival 2020. This uplifting contemporary piece celebrates choral singing as a way of bringing together people of different cultures and communities. It also takes a peek into my experience as a new Canadian immigrant – excited, scared, anxious, hopeful, and thankful – and realizing that I am surrounded by people in the choral community who support and lift me in dark times, and who celebrate with me in my successes.
The music shows the coming-together of different languages and musical elements that continue to influence my composition writing; here, the English and Malay text is co-written by Mohd Fairuz bin Mohd Tauhid and I, and represents the two languages that we were formally taught in Malaysian schools. It also signifies my continued search to define my Malaysian-Canadian identity. This can also be heard in the weaving of Malay folk elements into the contemporary Western choral setting. Snippets and small musical references of Rasa Sayang, an iconic Malay folk song, can be heard throughout the piece
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and movement.
Learning Resources for “Bersatu Senada”
Contact Tracy if you would also like to purchase learning tracks and pronunciation guide, and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir with movements!
Learning tracks currently available for purchase from Tracy:
SATB version
Check out “Bersatu Senada” (SATB & piano)
Performed by Asia Pacific Youth Choir 2020-21 and mixed by Cherie Chai (Singapore)!
JAM! (Jom-Ayuh-Mari)
Available in the following voicing: SSA / SSAA / SAB / SATB & body percussion
Duration: ~2:45
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
Available in SSA / SSAA / SAB / SATB and body percussion.
Duration: ~2:45
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
JAM! (Jom – Ayuh – Mari!) is three-way play on words! (1) In Colloquial Malay, Jom, ayuh, and mari all have similar meanings – “come, let’s go!” Nada, in the context of singing, means vocal tone. (2) The catchy, repetitive, and conversation-like musical themes would also suggest a group of musicians coming together to make music (akin to a jam session). (3) “Jam” in Malay also translates to “clock” – suggesting a passing of time, represented by the consistent snapping of fingers in the music.
In essence, the music is saying “Come, let’s go make some music together and sing while passing time! Leave your worries for a while.” Each of the words – Jom, Ayuh, Mari – has its own distinct melodic theme. The body percussion’s ostinato rhythm, inspired by Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters)’ drum groove, brings a sense of unity and contemporary flavour to those varied folk-inspired musical themes.
This is the second of a set of two short choral pieces commissioned by Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir (CNCC) & Amanda Nelli, Artistic Director. Both the first piece, All Things Pass (3 part choir, a cappella) and JAM! (Jom – Ayuh – Mari!) was composed in a way where each could be performed back-to-back as a set, or as standalone pieces. The set is based on my discussions with members of CNCC who requested the following treatments to the music:
*a strange limbo of singing styles
*modern, unexpected, slightly awkward
*canon and round-inspired
*reminders during confusing times
My deep appreciation goes to Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir and Amanda Nelli (CNCC Artistic Director) for this collaboration, and St Catharines Cultural Investment Program for funding these commissioned works.
Tracy
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and movement.
Learning Resources for “JAM! (Jom-Ayuh-Mari)”
Learning tracks available for purchase! Click on your preferred voicing to be directed to the page.
SSA, SAB
Coming soon: SATB
Do contact Tracy if you would like her to workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out “JAM! (Jom-Ayuh-Mari)” (SSA & body percussion)
Recorded by Tracy Wong and mixed by Cherie Chai (Singapore)!
Singkap Siaga
Available for the following voicing: SSA, SSAA, SAB, SATB (& body percussion)
Duration: 3:15
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece here: SSA, SSAA, SAB, SATB
Available for the following voicings: SSA, SSAA, SAB, SATB (all with body percussion)
Duration: 3:15
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece here: SSA, SSAA, SAB, SATB
About the piece
Singkap = to open, to reveal, quick change
Siaga = every ready
Singkap Siaga (SSA & body percussion) was commissioned in 2020-21 by Sonic Timelapse Project and members of its Conductors Commission Club. As a partner composer of the Project, I had the immense privilege of reading and absorbing the content submitted by the choral communities in Canada who were experiencing the global COVID-19 pandemic. This piece is based on my reflections of these submissions, as well as my own experiences.
I drew inspiration from the almost-extinct Malay tradition of shadow puppet theatre and its music - Wayang Kulit Kelantan. I remember learning how to make these puppets in school in Malaysia. This artform reminded me how light and shadow are equal in beauty, thus shifting my perspective of “shadow” and “darkness” having negative connotations. I have been drawn to a scene in the show where the Dewa Panah (two Arrow Gods), one good and one evil descend from the sky and battle each other. Neither wins. Life goes on in a balance.
The piece is 5% text and 95% vocables, based on the pre-existing vocal equivalent of the stylings and tone of the traditional instruments used in the Wayang Kulit Kelantan shadow puppet theatre practice - gong, dak, ding, dong, tsak, tsng. The rhythmic elements and patterns are also inspired by the music accompanying the Dewa Panah scene. Together with body percussion, this piece has a gutsy and fiery energy that hopefully brings singers to a positive headspace, especially when practising alone.
I am grateful to Sonic Timelapse Project and the following Canadian conductors who commissioned the SSA version of this piece: Kathleen Allan, Julia Davids, Heather Fraser, Laura Hawley, Jackie Hawley, U of Alberta Augustana Music Program.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to the choral communities who have participated in this Project. It is an honour to be a part of this memorable, vulnerable, brave, and collaborative music-making process. The voice is far from fragile!
Tracy
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and movement.
Learning Resources for “Singkap Siaga”!
Learning tracks available for purchase! Click on your preferred voicing to be directed to the page.
SSA, SSAA, SAB, SATB
Do contact Tracy if you would like her to workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out “Singkap Siaga” (SSAA & body percussion / SATB & body percussion)
Recorded by Tracy Wong, Aaron Teoh (tenor), Joel Wong (bass), and mixed by Cherie Chai (Singapore)!
Canadian Premiere (July 2021) by Myriad Ensemble. Elise Naccarato (artistic director), Haleigh Eady (choreographer), Kristen Antunes (audio production), Mike Enns (video production).
Ikan Kekek
Available for the following voicing: SA, SSAA, SAB, SATB
Duration: 2:30
Purchase the arrangement from Cypress Choral Music.
Available for the following voicing: SA, SSAA, SAB, SATB
Duration: 2:30
Purchase the arrangement from Cypress Choral Music.
About the piece
“Ikan Kekek” is about a fish, and a whole lot more! Children’s songs in Malaysia are usually taught by rote and passed down from generation to generation. As with children’s songs from other countries, Malaysian children’s songs consist of simple, catchy, and repetitive melodies. These tunes, usually lively and festive, introduce new vocabulary and encourage children to sing freely. The lyrics often tells a story or bear advice which are intended for young people, although some are humorously written and are meant to entertain.
“Ikan kekek”, like many Malay folk and children’s songs, is composed based on the Malay Pantun - a form of Malay poetry that i usually made up for four rhyming lines with an ABAB rhyming scheme. The pantun is divided into two parts - the “shadow” (lines 1 and 2), and the “meaning” (lines 3 & 4). The former is usually a preamble (“ikan kekek” and “ikan gelama” are types of fishes found in Malaysia) and sometimes has little relation with the latter, besides rhyming. The “meaning” delivers the true message of the pantun (in this song, it’s either a tease or an advice).
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and movement.
Learning Resources for “Ikan Kekek”!
Contact Tracy if you would also like to purchase learning tracks and pronunciation guide, and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir with movements!
Learning tracks currently available for purchase from Tracy:
SSAA version
SATB version
Coming soon: SA and SAB version
“Ikan Kekek” Resource Guide for choral educators by Leslie Kent is available FREE.
Leslie Kent is the Kolibro conductor under the Hamilton Children’s Choir organization. She has recently competed this document as part of an assignment for her choral conducting course this past summer (2020) at Western University. My heartfelt thanks to Leslie for her in-depth analysis and educators’ guide on this piece. I enjoyed our email and Zoom correspondence, and am very honoured that she chose my piece for her study. She has very kindly allowed this to be made available here for FREE for all choral educators!
If you would like to connect with Leslie, you may reach her at leslie@hamiltonchildrenschoir.com .
Go HERE for the free resource, courtesy of Leslie!
Source: Bach Children’s Chorus YouTube Channel. Senior Treble Festival 2020 (Hosted by the Oakville Choir for Children & Youth). Mass choir performance by nine treble choirs from across Southern Ontario, March 7, 2020. Kathleen Allan, Guest Conductor.
Source: Prairie Voices YouTube Channel. Conducted by Johanna Hildebrand. Soloist: Nicole Bureau Performed by Horizon at the concert 'Confluence 2018'.
Rasa Nusantara
Available for the following voicing: SSAA, SATB
Duration: 4:00
Purchase the arrangement from Cypress Choral Music.
Available for the following voicing: SSAA, SATB
Duration: 4:00
About this piece
A joyful medley of four Malaysian folk dances!
Purchase the arrangement from Cypress Choral Music - you can listen to Tracy sing the SSAA version while you peruse the sample copy! You can also listen to both SSAA and SATB versions below!
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and movement.
Learning Resources!
Contact her if you would also like to purchase learning tracks and pronunciation guide, and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir with movements!
Learning tracks currently available for purchase from Tracy:
SATB version
Coming soon: SSAA version
Performed by Tanjung Katong Girls School Choir (Singapore) as part of their second segment, "We are Grace", in Esplanade's Limelight 2019. Cherie Chai, choral director & percussionist.
Rasa Nusantara, SSAA. All parts sung by Tracy Wong.
Rasa Nusantara, SATB. Tracy Wong (soprano & alto), Aaron Teoh (tenor), Joel Wong (bass), Cherie Chai (sound engineer).
Wau Bulan
Available for the following voicing: SA, SAB
Duration: 2:50
Purchase the arrangement from Cypress Choral Music.
Available for the following voicing: SA, SAB
Duration: 2:50
Purchase the arrangement from Cypress Choral Music.
About this piece
"Wau Bulan" is a folk song and dance that originates from Malaysia. It is performed in the Dikir Barat style whereby performers sit in rows on the floor / stage to sing and do choreographed hand and body movements. Dikir Barat is usually performed by Malaysians as a way of preserving and cultivating the Malay community culture of song and dance. The flexibility of this style of performance allows the music to be adapted to various settings and performers. Performers are also encouraged to come up with new lyrics to any existing tune. "Wau Bulan" describes the beauty of the Malaysian traditional kite (wau) with a rounded bottom shaped like a half moon (bulan) as it flies up high in the sky.
This arrangement was performed at the 2017 American Choral Directors Association National Conference by Hamilton Children's Choir, Canada, under the direction of Zimfira Poloz.
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and movement.
The Hamilton Children's Choir Ilumini perform's "Wau Bulan" a Malaysian Folk Song arranged by Tracy Wong. The Hamilton Children's Choir premiered Wau Bulan at the "Sentima" concert in June 2016. Since then, Cypress has now published this piece as part of The Zimfira Collection. We are thankful to Tracy for all the work she has done with our singers and for sharing her culture with us.
Conductor: Zimfira Poloz
Collaborative Accompanist: Laura Pin
Collaborative Percussionist: Jamie Drake Choreographer: Tracy Wong
Lighting Designer: Gabriel Cropley
Videographer: Eric Bosch.
CHOIRS THAT PERFORMED THIS ARRANGEMENT
Contact Tracy to add your choir to this list!
Mississauga Festival Youth Choir, Canada (Tracy Wong, artistic director), 2015, 2017
Young Voices Toronto, Canada (Tracy Wong, conductor), 2015, 2016
Hamilton Children's Choir, Canada (Zimfira Poloz, artistic director)
American Choral Directors Association, National Conference - March 2017
Saint John's Boy's Choir, US, 2017
Clari Cantuli Children's Choir, Belgium
Waelrant Kinderkoor, Belgium
La Chanterie de Lyon, France
Coral Infantil Gatsara, Spain
8th Europa Cantat Junior Festival, France (Zimfira Poloz, conductor) - July 2017