Learning Resources:
Haitian Communal Singing: Black Voices in Common

What is Communal Singing?

Communal singing refers to collective vocal practices shaped by community life. Songs often develop through shared activities such as work, care, storytelling, celebration and spiritual practice.

In Haitian musical traditions, singing is often learned through listening, repetition and participation rather than written notation.

Voice, Sound and Meaning

In many Caribbean musical traditions, singers use vocables (such as ‘ahh’ or ‘ohh’) and other non-lexical sounds. These sounds can express emotion, support rhythm and enable group participation.

Teaching Approach to exploring each folk song

1. Context – introducing Haiti, language and cultural background
2. Listening – guided questions to support musical awareness
3. Exploration – focusing on voice, rhythm, vocables, melodic movement or traditional Haitian concept
4. Performance – singing together and developing ensemble skills
5. Composition – developing and structuring musical ideas
6. Reflection – discussing meaning and musical choices
7. Plenary/assessment – opportunity to consolidate learning or adapt towards preferred summative or formative assessment strategies

Teachers are encouraged to adapt the pacing and level of depth to suit the needs of their students.