I'm So Glad To Be Here!

This light-hearted shuffle is a great way to start the day, the week, or even the year! Short and simple enough for all of your classes to learn, the verses are only slightly different (you can just repeat the first verse, if you prefer) and the chorus is the same each time till the last phrase.

The tune is in a swing style, which means the eighth notes have a rollicking triplet feel to them, as indicated by the style marking at the top of the music. Since the melody is mostly quarter notes, though, your singers will have no problem fitting right into the groove, especially if you use the Performance/Accompaniment Compact Disc or Cassette that accompanies this issue.

On the recording, you will hear a small group jazz ensemble with muted brass, saxes, and rhythm section. The guitar is called an "arch top" or "F hole" guitar and is perfect for this style of music. See if your students can hear it strumming along on each beat.

Of course, the best part of this song for your performers will be the movement they get to do during the chorus each time. Each action is specifically named in the lyrics and a beat of rest is allowed for the performance of the action. (We had a tough time in the recording studio getting our youngest singers to hold still while we recorded! They really wanted to do the movements.)

One hint: When letting your students do the action to "jump up high," don't really let them jump too high or they won't be down in time for the next phrase.