Rise And Shine!

Before this song begins, you may wish to add a simple sound effect: the sound of someone snoring. If you are using the recording, let the snoring go on for a few seconds before pressing the play button. Let it continue for a little while even after the music starts. It should be gone by the time the singers begin at measure 5. The snoring can resume during the interlude at measure 13 and again at the end. On our recording, our solo snorer, Abby Wey, also added a yawn at the very end. It is cute, as you will hear, and the singers got a kick out of it.

This simple song is designed for your youngest singers so they can be included in the revue, too. It's only eight measures long and repeats the melody exactly. The intro, interlude and ending are easily picked out because they feature a guitar and oboe duet. If you do not use the recording, try to at least have someone play the solo lines where they are written. A C instrument would work best, though it can be transposed as needed.

Let your youngsters (or a select group of them) dress for the song in their pajamas. Have them wear or bring their slippers and any other sleepytime accoutrements they like. They can be the singers or the ones doing the movement, or both.

We have movement suggestions for the song, which you may use exactly or adapt as you wish.

• introduction - stretch and yawn freely
• rise - raise hands up in front of body, palms up
• shine - frame face with open hands outward
• stretch out - stretch arms out
• yawn - pretend to yawn after saying "yawn"
• welcome the dawn - wave at the sun/sky
• you sleepyhead - pretend to rub eyes
• get out of bed - rest cheek on hands like pillow
• interlude (m. 13) - stretch and yawn freely
• smile at the sun - smile with teeth showing after singing the word "sun"
• time for some fun - point rhythmically at real or imaginary wristwatch
• put sleep away - sweep arms slowly side to side
• let's start our day - open arms to side, palms up
• ending - stretch and yawn freely

For the words, "rise and shine" each time, make the same gestures as indicated the first time. This includes the ending.