Kalinda (SSAATTBB)
Errata
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Notes and Dynam ics
• M.16 (for SSAA; see reference below): change text to ou-woy! and rev ise note value to a 16th note ( instead of 32nd).
• Mm.50-51 (see reference below): change text to da -ha, dou-hou, da Baritones & Basses should match this rhythm ( two eighth notes instead of quarter notes).
• Mm.78-82 (for SSAA): change each no te of th e clus ter to mf–p
M.83 (Alto 3): add forte.
M.84 (all voices): add forte on pa. Apply th e same dynamic changes to m m . 86-89.
• M.96 (Soprano 1 and Soprano 2): mark entrances with the expr essive tex t “brigh tly” (very bright, forward tone - almost n asal)
Text & Translation Updates (see next 2 pages)
If you are printing the text and translation in your pr ogram, see th e next 2 p ages for an updated version of the text, tr anslation, and IPA that will eventually b e in th e new edition of th e piece. The next two pages are th e tex t and tr anslation pages of th e new SSSSAAAA adaptation of th e piece.
Que signife la chanson Kalinda?
L’Homme peut accomplire des choses merveilleuses et se vanter même de réussites spectaculaires. Mais en réalité, tout vient du createur.
Tous dons et toutes richesses sont des faveurs divines qui doivent server du bien-être de tous. Rendons grace à Dieu et partageons généreusement.
-Gabriel Toussaint Guillaume
Haitian Creole
Mezanmi tande, wi se pou n tande: Kalinda, jan ou ka kalinda, Se gran mesi kout tanbou.
Kalinda, jan ou ka kalinda, Ou te mèt byen banda… Se gran mesi kout tanbou, San li pa ta gen Kalinda.
O, ala bèl, wi sa ta bèl, Si tout moun te ka jwenn tanbou.
Ayibobo!
Kalinda, jan ou ka kalinda, Se gran mesi kout tanbou.
*Joumou pa donnen kalbas; Zannanna pa donnen pengwen. Tout bon bagay se pwodwi bon bagay. Tout sa ki byen soti nan sa ki byen. Mèsi kout tanbou, gran mèsi kout tanbou.
Ayibobo!
-Gabriel Toussaint Guillaume
*Haitian proverb
What does the song Kalinda mean?
Humans can make wonders and can even be proud of spectacular accomplishments; but in reality, everything comes from the Creator.
All talents and all treasures are divine blessings that must be used to the beneft of all. Let’s praise God and let’s share generously.
English
Listen friends, yes you have to listen: Dance, the best way you can, It’s thanks to the sounds of the drum.
Dance, the best way you know how, You can dance as much as you can… It’s thanks to the sounds of the drum, Oh, how beautiful Without which, there would not be any dancing.
Oh how beautiful it would be, If everyone could fnd a drum.
Ayibobo! (Yes indeed!)
Dance, the best way you know how, It’s thanks to the sounds of the drum.
The apple does not fall far from the tree; All good things derive from good things. Thank you, drumbeats. It is thanks to the sounds of the drum.
Ayibobo! (Yes indeed!)
IPA Guide on page 36. For an audio pronunciation guide and individual practice tracks, go to: sydneyguillaume.com/practice-tracks
About the Composer
Sydney Guillaume’s compositions are known to be intricate, challenging and highly spirited and are performed by ensembles worldwide. Many of his choral works, most with original poetry by his father Gabriel T. Guillaume, have fostered an awareness of the beautiful Haitian culture and continue to serve as an ambassador for his native country.
Sydney Guillaume currently resides in Portland, Oregon working as a full-time composer, conductor, and clinician. His recent activities as conductor include the 2024 ACDA Southern Region Conference Advanced SATB Honor Choir, the 2022 Georgia All-State Senior Treble Choir, and the 2019 Florida All-State Middle School Treble Chorus, and the 2018 Maine All-State High School Mixed Chorus.
Duration: Approx. 3:30
Sa k pase?
[ sak paˈse ]
N ap boule
[ nap buˈle ]
Kote tanbou-a?
[ ˈkote tãˈbu a ]
Kote mizik la?
[ ˈkote mizik la ]
Mezanmi tande, wi se pou n tande: [ ˈmezãmi ˈtãde wi se pun tãde ]
Kalinda, jan ou ka kalinda, [ ˈkalinda ʒã u ka ˈkalinda ]
Se gran mesi kout tanbou. [ Se grã meˈsi kut tãbu ]
Kalinda, jan ou ka kalinda, [ ˈkalinda ʒã u ka ˈkalinda ]
Ou te mèt byen banda... [ u te mɛt biẽ ˈbãda ]
Se gran mesi kout tanbou.
[ Se grã meˈsi kut tãbu ]
San li pa ta gen Kalinda.
[ Sã li pa ta gẽ ˈkalinda ]
O, ala bèl, wi se ta bèl, [ O ˈala bɛl wi sa ta bɛl ]
Haitian Creole guide
a = [ a ] i = [ i ]
e = [ e ] è = [ ɛ ]
o = [ o ] ou = [ u ]
an = [ ã ] on = [ ɔ ]
en = [ ẽ ]
O bèl, o bèl, [ O bɛl o bɛl ]
Si tout moun te ka jwenn tanbou. [ Si tut mun te ka ʒuẽn tãˈbu ]
Ayibobo!
[ ˈajibobo ]
Kalinda, jan ou ka kalinda, [ ˈkalinda ʒã u ka ˈkalinda ]
Se gran mesi kout tanbou.
[ Se grã meˈsi kut tãˈbu ]
Joumou pa donnen kalbas. [ ʒuˈmu pa dõˈnẽ ˈkalbas ]
Zannanna pa donnen pengwen [ ˈZãnãna pa dɔˈnẽ ˈpẽguẽ ]
Tout bon bagay se pwodwi bon bagay. [ tut bõ baˈgai se puoˈdʒui bõ baˈgai ]
Tout sa ki byen soti nan sa ki byen.
[ tut sa ki biẽ soˈtsi nã sa ki biẽ ]
Mèsi kout tanbou, [ mɛˈsi kut tãˈbu ]
Gran mèsi kout tanbou. [ grã mɛsi kut tãˈbu ]
Explanation of IPA Symbols
Other text
gen = [ gẽ ] zakap = [ ˈzakap ] woy = [ wo i ] genyen = [ gẽˈjẽ ]
ayayay = [ ˈajajai ]
tèk = [ tɛk ]
For an audio pronunciation guide of the text and individual practice tracks, go to: sydneyguillaume.com/practice-tracks
