How Do You Say Poinsettia?

It's a good question. How do you say poinsettia? Ask anyone and you'll likely get different answers. Especially depending on the region of the country or world where you ask. Where we are in Wisconsin, it is mostly heard as a three syllable word that sounds like: poin-sed-uh. But if you look it up in most dictionaries or on the Internet, it seems the correct/preferred way is actually a four syllable word, pronounced as it looks: poin-set-ti-a. However, common usage has made the three syllable version acceptable now, too. Even so, it is enough of an issue to bring it to light. So, that is what we have done, musically speaking, that is.

This light Latin song is a partner song (what else?) in which both points of view are presented then combined. It's a friendly way to acknowledge differences, not to mention get in some quality part singing work. Here's how it works: The first time at measure 5, part 1 sings, pronouncing the word with four syllables. The second time at measure 5, part 2 sings, pronouncing the word with three syllables (indicated in parentheses on the music). The third time at measure 5, both parts sing together, pronouncing the word in their own ways.

In the intro and interlude, the two parts break into harmony a little bit with "How do you say it?" After the third ending, they restate their respective cases, then end with a spoken "How do you say it?" as if asking the audience. The final shout is done simultaneously, which will sound a bit cacophonous with the different pronunciations, but that's okay. Tell each group to defend their position vigorously!

Since this piece happens to be in C major, we determined it would also work nicely for Boomwhackers®. This is optional, of course, but if you happen to have some (or any pitched percussion like mallet, tubes, etc.), why not add them? The part alternates between chords and a single note line. At the beginning, the drums give a set-up so that players know when to start since they come in right on beat one of the first measure. We have provided an extracted PDF of the BW part for you to download from our web site and duplicate as needed. We have also created an optional audio version of the full tracks with no BWs, in case that's more useful to you.