Blue and Red and White

While this new energized and energizing patriotic song would be most appropriate for the celebration of flag day (June 14), you could use it for any patriotic event. Or, you could use it just because it's a neat song that's fun to sing! The setting blends traditional patriotic elements, such as military snare drums and brass, with more contemporary elements, such as the saxophone ensemble and rhythm section.

Yes, it works in unison!

Despite the fact that we have included optional parts 2 and 3, the song will sound just fine with all of your singers singing in unison. The melody (part 1) is not difficult, even for younger singers, though we do recommend vocal assistance/reinforcement for the very youngest singers. For example, use your fifth grade students along with your first grade students, or have all of your grades sing together.

The verse repeats exactly (melodically) and if you want to simplify it further, you can repeat the lyrics from the first time as well. The chorus is also repetitious, with slight changes in the coda section. There is a dramatic subito mezzo piano which occurs during the first two times of the chorus to which you will want to pay particular attention. After a few rehearsals, your students will be comfortable with it and it will sound most impressive.

Please note that the two measures at 77 are optional. Since the rhythm is more challenging here, you might prefer to avoid it, resuming the singing in measure 79.

The other parts

The other two parts for this song were written with older students and/or choirs in mind. If you wish to use one or the other or both of these optional parts in addition to the melody, it will work.

Part 2 is obviously busier, higher and more complex than part 1. Your more developed singers will appreciate and enjoy the chance to shine. The moving quarter note line during the chorus is especially nice for them, as is the chance to go to a high E toward the end of the song.

Part 3 is written in the "compromise" range for your lower, changing or changed voices. Since many of you will use it with older students, you will find the lower range more comfortable for them.

Even with good readers, we have found that the best way to teach these other parts is by playing them on a piano or keyboard over and over while students sing along. Encourage them to actually read and follow the notes and rhythms, if possible, to reinforce their reading skills.

In the case of either part, consider using a select group of singers only.

A warm-up is always a good idea

Whether you are performing the song as a unison, 2-part or 3-part piece, you will find that a good warm-up can be most beneficial. Even the unison version of the song has a few middle space C's - and one D. A gradual ascending warm-up will help singers project a lovely, controlled tone when they get to these parts. Have them focus on tone, posture, breath and support. Remember to suggest that they alter their vowel sounds for the best results when singing higher notes.

Orchestration vs. piano

The Performance/Accompaniment recording (compact disc or cassette) provides a stirring and uplifting background for your singers. If you have the opportunity to let your students listen to the instrumental version of the song, they will hear the various textures, most of which are indicated on the piano/vocal score.

The piece opens with a saxophone trio: soprano, alto 1 and alto 2. The trio is revisited throughout the piece and includes an improvised alto solo in the intro and at the D.S. There is also a rich low brass ensemble, a trumpet/euphonium duet, strings playing pizzicato at one point and arco at another, and a variety of percussion, such as snare drums, bass drum, and cymbals. The rhythm section ties it all together with a light rock beat that changes to a halftime groove during the coda for the "soaring" effect.

While the background is not as interesting on just piano, it can certainly be played that way. If you wish to do this, you will need to decide which of the indicated wind parts to play and which to leave out.

A flag ceremony?

Since the song is about the flag, you could add movement to it by using flags. You could either imitate a drums corps and use large, serious flags, complete with a routine, or you could use smaller American flags that are simply waved at certain points in the music. We suggest the intro and the ending for the best effect.