“Nguzo Saba: The Seven Social and Spiritual Principles of Kwanzaa” is a fantastic introduction to the African-American holiday, Kwanzaa, and is appropriate for grades K-12. In a musical repertoire arena which is truly lacking in quality published material for teaching students in this subject, I was thrilled to find something written with children in mind, yet with sophisticated accompaniments, melodies and the true African-American spirit of cultural heritage evident in the overall form of the piece. As a teacher, this piece truly inspired me and also taught me more about Kwanzaa’s true meaning and principles, which I could then pass on more confidently to my students. The piece is set to energetic and uplifting piano accompaniments with a strong gospel and melodic emphasis that is suitable and appealing for younger voices, at the appropriate ranges, yet with distinct and powerful melodic motives to emphasize the Swahili text. Students at all age levels are drawn to the rhythms of the ensemble settings, introduced at our school between grades K-12. I found that Nguzo Saba was very appropriate material for promoting unity and cultural diversity in a school music program. The accompaniment CD with sample tracks, produced and co-arranged by Sujin Nam, is very high quality and a great learning tool when teaching the music styles of the piece. Judith Baity is a talented, experienced, and remarkable composer who arranges with sincere musicianship in mind for both voices and instruments in the context of an inspiring theme. We were very proud and honored to perform her music at the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, and look forward to working with her still, while performing more of her music in the future. For anyone struggling to find quality, fun, and inspiring Kwanzaa music for your students…..this is it and your students will LOVE singing and performing it!” -Rebecca Bailey, The Buckley School, Lower and Middle School Music Sherman Oaks, California