I Have A Friend
by Teresa Jennings
Just in time for Valentine's Day, or for any occasion that calls for a "friendly" song, this tune is great for younger singers. We were thinking about Lawrence Welk when we orchestrated this one, in case you hadn't noticed. (If the muted brass, xylophone, and schmaltzy alto sax solo hadn't given us away, surely the chromatic triplet figures would have!)
The song is sung in unison throughout, but only the first time from measures 5 to 13. The second time at measure 5, one young soloist speaks (to your audience, in theory). Pick someone perky and lively. (Visions of Shirley Temple danced in our heads...) At measure 13 the second time, everyone joins back in to finish the song and reveal the mystery that eluded all: My friend is you!
Add some simple gestures to key words to liven up a performance. For example, have singers point to themselves on the word "I," and hug themselves on the word "friend." Continue along this line. Of course, if you are using very young singers, movement may be more difficult to incorporate. But you can be sure it would be cute!
Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.