Coyote Moon

Not that long ago, to see wild animals larger than squirrels, you had to go out into the more untamed, unsettled country and hunt for them. But our little company is maybe 15 miles from the center of a larger American city, with human settlement in every direction. Still, in recent history, we have been visited by deer, possums, groundhogs, wild turkeys, large wading birds, a family of foxes, and a very bold coyote. (The "bold" part of his nickname is a longer story. Let's just say he's not shy about being around humans or their canine friends.)

For the recorder feature in this issue we pay homage to this creature of the Americas who has been here through all of mankind's life in this part of the world. It features soprano recorder on notes often used for beginning players, G, A, and B. They are used in a way to center on A, and sounding mostly A modal. (It is a mix of modes, mainly Dorian for the melody.)

In addition, we are making this work a feature for unpitched percussion instruments, all very accessible to most music classrooms. This includes toms or two surfaces in a small bucket band. The toms can be created simply by using two small plastic pails, or metal cans adapted for safety. We also call for rhythm sticks, small shakers (including egg shakers) and a rain stick. Note: The accompaniment track on the recording includes the rain stick. We figure that many schools may not have one, and if they do play it live, it will override the recorded one. We have also created an alternate accompaniment track that keeps the unpitched percussion instruments in, but excludes the recorder and coyote effects. You can find this extra track on our web site.

Talking About Form - This original concert work has an easily discernible form and is thus a great way to learn about it. Here's the basic form: introduction, A, A' (with countermelody), B, A', extension into ending. Students can identify the various parts of the form as we have here, or graphically.

Also to discuss/try - If this was music for a film, what might be happening on screen?

Make this a totally live piece - play just the parts supplied, and/or add simple keyboard percussion parts. Bells may not be ideal, Boomwhackers® will work, especially E, G, A, B, C. Simplify the parts as you need.

If you'd like to follow along with the piano/recorder/percussion score, we have provided a downloadable version for you on our web site. There is also a special interactive learning assessment for this song.