Whacky Do Re Mi

There are two reasons we created this song. First, we have been asked repeatedly to give teachers a contemporary option to that old familiar song, "Do Re Mi." And second, we just happen to know that lots of you now have sets of Boomwhackers® to use in your classrooms.

The song is in the key of C, which is perfect for Boomwhackers®. However, for those who don't have Boomwhackers®, we have designed the part to work for any C instrument, such as xylophones, glocks, or keyboards. The part is written in treble clef and is indicated on the piano/vocal score. For your convenience, we have also included it as a separate reproducible part on page 53. And, as we indicate on the music, if you don't wish to use any percussion at all, the song will work fine with vocals only.

Set in a hip-hop style, we feel certain that your students will enjoy this updated solfege tutorial. Beginning with the phrase "sol mi la sol mi," we are reminded of that oh-so-familiar call of childhood. The call is echoed (optionally) in Boomwhackers® and/or pitched percussion. (This part is doubled by marimba on the instrumental version, so even if you don't use it, it's covered.)

The lyrics are light and a little bit silly, hence easy to remember. If your students would like to add movement to the song, pantomimes of the pertinent descriptive phrases might be fun. In any event, we're pretty sure most kids will feel compelled to move to the beat whether it's choreographed or not.

On the repeat at measure 9, there is an optional second part. This is nothing more than a sustained statement of the solfege pitches and words. As part singing goes, it doesn't get much easier.

Two measures from the end, the vocal ensemble lines are interrupted for one measure by a solo. (Pick someone self-assured if you are using the song in performance.) Everyone joins back in at the last bar for a divisi presentation of the final "do!" Even the Boomwhackers® are divisi, if you like.

If you would like to use some non-pitched percussion instruments, we have included a simple ostinato on page 66. As a matter of fact, this tune would be a lot of fun if performed with just the Boomwhackers®; some pitched Orff instruments, especially marimbas, xylos, and bass bars; and the unpitched percussion. You could also add guitar and/or autoharp to this mix for fun.

When using the unpitched percussion, feel free to substitute and adapt as you like. Congas for frame drum, maracas for shakers, jingle sticks for tambourine - these are all fine. Just have a good time!