Follow My Rhythms

Here's a great way to put the spotlight on your rhythm instrument players. While we call for rhythm sticks, you can also use drumsticks, claves, or any unpitched percussion instrument that you have on hand. In fact, the two groups don't even have to be identical. Any combination of instruments is fine. The point of the piece is for one group of percussion instruments to play a rhythm and the other group to imitate it.

Toward that end, divide your players into two groups and call them 1 and 2. There is an extracted part on page 52 that you can duplicate for them to read. The higher looking notes with the downstems are for your first group of players and are labeled Rhythm Sticks 1 (R.S. 1). The lower looking notes with the upstems are for the second group of players and are labeled Rhythm Sticks 2 (R.S. 2). Note that when both groups play at the same time, they share an upstem. Once players catch on how to read their respective parts, you can do a little mixing it up, if you want to add a challenge. For example, have players switch which parts they are reading at given points in the music. In its simplest and easiest form however, just have them play the parts exactly as written.

Another great extension for this tune is improvisation. Still using groups of players, have them make up their own rhythms that the other group has to imitate exactly. Again, mix it up to give everyone a chance to improvise as well as test their ability to follow.

The vocal part for the song is extremely simple so as not to upstage the percussion. (Hence the lack of a lyric page in this issue.) You can let players sing, or have a separate group of singers. If you do this, let them take turns singing and playing. There is a funky horn band on the recording which helps emphasize the pulse. Interestingly, it is "following" what the vocals are doing. Point this out to your students if they didn't already notice it for themselves. During the second half of the tune, an alto saxophone solo (played by Jim Farrelly) adds a bit of fun and variety.