1.

) composer, background, major musical influences (quotes from composer about composition,
musical philosophy, thoughts on music education

2.) title of composition, structure or form, relevant details (key, tempo, meter), historical
significance, place in composer’s catalog of works, any other works by any other composers

3.) personal thoughts, drawing specific examples, connecting to reflections or observations

about the pieces

Christopher Tin is a “California-born, British-educated… two time Grammy winning composer of

concert and media music” (christophertin.com, n.d.). His music has been performed in many of
the world’s prestigious venues such as the Lincoln Center, Hollywood Bowl, and Carnegie Hall.
Tin was raised in northern California, influenced by classical music with notes of jazz and
musical theatre. He has his BA in Music and English, and a MA in Interdisciplinary Studies in
Humanities. Tin is also “Honorary Artistic Director of the United Nations Chamber Music
Society, Honorary President of the INternational Choral Festival Wales, and a patron of El
Sistema France” (christophertin.com, n.d.).

Baba Yetu was composed by Christopher Tin for the video game Civilization IV. It won a
Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). It is sung in Swahili and
the words “Baba Yetu” mean “Our father” and the song is a translation of the Lord’s prayer (Ben
Kuchera, 2011).

I love this song! I love that we’re challenging ourselves to sing an eight-part song, especially
since it’s in another language! I’ve always thought Swahili is a beautiful language, as I know 5
songs now in it. I’m so glad we’re diversifying our repertoire by learning songs in languages
other than English, and that we’re bringing in new cultures with it.

CITATIONS (not the ticket type):

“About.” Christopher Tin - About, christophertin.com/about.html.

Kuchera - Feb 14, 2011 2:45 pm UTC, Ben. “How a Song from the 2005 Civilization IV Won a
2011 Grammy.” Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2011, arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/02/how-a-
song-from-the-2005-civilization-iv-won-a-2011-grammy/.