Clean Up Our World

You may have noticed that from time to time we like to blend unique styles. This tune is a case in point. We have combined a pop groove with reggae guitar and a variety of African and Latin percussion. (See if your students can identify some of the percussion they are hearing.) We also added fretless bass, which has a distinctive loose quality that is easily recognized. We threw in some strings, synths, claps, and voila! Unique style. Too fun.

Earth Day comes around in April every year, and while this song would be a good one to use for your school's focus, it could really be used any time. (Is there only one season for cleaning up the planet? We think not!) Maybe you could also use the tune as a motivational tune for cleaning up the classroom. Cleaning up the playground. Cleaning up the school, and so on. Students can sing and move as they pick up litter, sweep floors, rake leaves, etc.

There are two parts to the song starting at measure 25. While the second part is optional, it's also easy - especially if your students have heard it sung on the CD. The divisi of part 1 at measure 33 is also optional. It is fine as a unison, too.

The claps are a neat addition, and we enjoyed using them. They are doubled for reinforcement on the recording by electronic claps, so if you choose not to perform them, they are still present.

Add your own percussion to this song for even more performance fun. Deliberately choose African or Latin instruments, or combine other ethnic varieties as well. Let players enter at predetermined points for interest and emphasis. Have them choose their patterns ahead of time. For example, cowbell plays on beats 1 and 4 beginning at measure 25. If you're studying notation, have them write their patterns out.