Pick Up Your Feet

This lively rock tune was written as part of the musical revue Look What We can Do, which was introduced in Volume 6, Number 1. As with most of the revue songs, it can be used independently as well.

The focus of this song is movement. The beat is basic and continuous, and lends itself well to simple movement and/or dance steps.

We have included movement suggestions on the music itself. These movements should be easy to learn, and are mostly based on marching steps or bouncing on heels. You can use them exactly as they are, or you can adapt them, change them, or rewrite them completely. If you choose the latter, be sure to ask your students for their input.

You might also consider featuring one or a few students to do more complex moves while the rest of the group sings and/or performs simpler moves.  If you are using the Performance/Accompaniment Cassette, you will hear a real rhythm section, including piano, bass, drums, percussion and guitar, as well as a wind section that includes trumpets, trombones, horns and saxes. The winds are cued on the piano score in the treble clef. They are not necessarily meant to be played on piano, as the articulations and sustains could not be matched. You could let your own instrumentalists play them, however, if you have capable players. Be sure they note that they play on the D.S. only at measure 10. If you are playing the piano part live, just play the bass line in octaves as indicated for the best effect. Be sure to keep it legato as marked.

Since the song is low in range and forte, you will find that you get the most out of your singers by letting them belt in their chest voices. Encourage them to be energetic. After all, the song is about movement. Their voices should complement the theme. Let them listen to the performance on the cassette for reference of style.