Cherokee: To Hi Yi (Where Peace Lives) – 2 part any combination – Digital

To hi yi (Where peace resides) is an original secular piece written in the Cherokee Language. Composed to show unity and to honor both the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (Cherokee, NC) and The Cherokee Nation (Western Band, Tahlaquah, OK), it utilizes both dialects, Eastern (Kituwah/Giduwah) and Western (Overhill). The piece sings praise to Cherokee, NC — the original homeland for the Cherokee people before the Trail of Tears, also known as the infamous Nunna dual Tsuny – Trail Where They Cried. With a drum to signify the heart-beat and a flute (or violin) accompaniment, this selection will make a wonderful addition to any concert, but is especially suited for Music in Our Schools Month in March or Native American Heritage Month in November. The excellent performance notes and translation/pronunciation guide make it easy to achieve an authentic performance. This accessible work is a wonderful option for choirs at many levels. Highly recommended!
Published as part of the Native American Choral Series from Hinshaw Music, To hi yi (Where Peace Resides) is an original secular work by James E. Green written in the Cherokee language. Created as a song of unity, the piece honors both the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, North Carolina, and the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, incorporating both the Eastern and Western Cherokee dialects.

The text praises Cherokee, North Carolina, the original homeland of the Cherokee people before the Trail of Tears, also known as Nunna dual Tsuny, or “The Trail Where They Cried.” With optional flute and drum accompaniment, this moving work offers choirs an accessible and meaningful opportunity to engage with Native language and culture through song.

As the composer notes, at around the 40-second mark listeners will recognize the instrumental melody. You may also notice that the drum is intentionally out of time, meant to suggest a distant heartbeat. James E. Green explains that this effect was written that way on purpose, since the human mind naturally wants to align the rhythm. That subtle musical decision adds another layer of depth and atmosphere to the piece.

Part of Hinshaw Music’s Native American Choral Series, this work reflects the broader mission of the series to celebrate and preserve Native American voices, languages, and musical traditions through choral music. Co-edited by James E. Green and Dr. Mary Young, the series is both a musical and cultural effort, expanding the choral canon while supporting repertoire rooted in Native heritage and authentic language traditions. Green’s own work is especially shaped by his Cherokee heritage and his commitment to keeping the Cherokee language alive through song.

With excellent performance notes and a translation and pronunciation guide, To hi yi is approachable for choirs at many levels and is especially well suited for Music in Our Schools Month in March, Native American Heritage Month in November, or any concert centered on unity, culture, and remembrance.