Knowledge Is Power

"Knowledge Is Power" is the second tune in the musical revue, Freedom. While it was primarily written for that purpose, the theme is a universal one, so the song can also be used independently.

Rehearsal/Performance Options

• If you use the Performance/Accompaniment cassette, you will hear a set up in the drum part before measure one. This will help any movement that might begin on beat one of the first measure.
• The clapping on beat 4 of each measure from the first bar through the eighth bar only occurs on the repeat.
• If you're not using the P/A cassette, keep the left hand of the piano part strong. The right hand should not even come in until the fifth measure. The tempo needs to be steady (quarter note = 96 is best), and never rushed. Follow the articulations as closely as is reasonably possible, given the limitations of articulating on a piano. Even if you don't use the P/A cassette, if you have one in your possession, at least listen to it so that you can emulate the style as closely as possible. The feel of the tune is not only critical, it is the element that will make or break it for your students.
• On the words, "Because knowledge is power," you may want to drop your changed or changing voices down an octave.
• Every time the word "Yo!" appears, it should be spoken enthusiastically or shouted.
• All of the lyrics, both spoken and sung, should be delivered emphatically. Tell your students to pretend that they are speaking to a good friend who has just announced that he/she is dropping out of school because it is boring. They should be practically balling them out when they speak trying to get the point across to their friend that dropping out is a stupid thing to do. (You don't have to use the word "stupid," of course. But you get the idea.)
• During the verse and chorus, movement can be limited freestyle bouncing and rocking to the beat. (Limited in that their feet are stationary.) If you add too much movement at this point, you will upstage the words.
• If you would like to add movement during the rhythm interlude (measure 1 through 8 on the repeat or at the beginning), here are some possibilities:
  • Have your movers line up in a chorus line fashion. One beats 1, 2, and 3 have them step sideways to the left 3 steps (one for each beat). On beat 4 when they clap, they can either just clap, or add another step to the clap, or kick out with the foot that's in movement. Repeat to the right next.
  • Each time they say "Yo!" have them thrust one fist up into the air above their head.
  • During the last time through the chorus (last 8 bars), choreography would be more acceptable because by now they have heard the words twice before. To the left are some ideas.

Orff/Rhythm Accompaniment

As we mentioned, the most realistic accompaniment for your students will be the cassette. You may wish to augment it or the piano accompaniment with Orff and/or rhythm instruments. This is a simple song and of interest to many grade levels, so an arrangement from us would probably be futile. Orff keyboard instruments can play either line of the piano part or simpler parts can be created using just D and C. You can also add cowbell, tambourine, rhythms sticks...or almost anything else. Just keep it simple and don't overshadow the singers.