Whale Song

The notion that music comes in many forms and styles and languages has never been more evident than when you listen to the sounds of whales "singing." This amazing music is thought to be a form of communication. Just what, exactly, they are communicating, no one really knows for sure. But you can be certain that something is being spoken between these magnificent creatures. And music is definitely being made. It might not be the type of melody that gets stuck in your head all day, but it is truly inspiring in its own way.

"Whale Song" sets out to capture just a bit of these amazing sounds. Not only through the actual sound effects of whales in the various four bar interludes, but also in the accompaniment, which gives you the feeling of being out on a ship, watching and waiting for the appearance of a humpback, a blue, a bowhead, etc. Notice how even the piano imitates the sounds of waves in constant motion.

This song is meant to be sung very expressively. There are lots of crescendos and diminuendos – ebbing and flowing like waves. As the song builds, a second vocal part is added at measure 37, which is optional, of course. (See the box on page 62 for details about part 2 rehearsal tracks.) For your performance, each time the whale interludes occur, it would be neat to feature a video or slides of actual whales, if you have the means to do so. Even just having your group make pictures of whales or bring in stuffed toy whales would be fun.

See how many types of whales you and your students can think of. And be sure to check with your science/biology teacher, too. He or she just might want to incorporate this song into a unit on cetaceans.