Jump!

This high energy tune might be just what you're looking for to get your students on their feet and moving! The melody, form, and lyrics are deliberately simple and repetitive so that they don't get in the way of the action. There is even a section where the students can shout out the word "Jump!" to further inspire.

And speaking of inspiration, the rock band with winds on the Performance/Accompaniment recording defy any youngster to hold still while listening. Unless you have your own rock band, or at least a rhythm section, you will definitely want to use the recording.

There are two sections in the song which leave room for actual jumping. One is at measure 17 where you will hear the toms take over the pulse of the tune. During this section, students are encouraged to jump freely - rhythmically or otherwise. Try to help them remember that despite their jumping, they do still have a little singing in that section. If you feel it interferes with their enthusiasm for movement, feel free to leave it out.

The second section for movement occurs at measure 25. An alto sax solo (played by the amazing Jim Farrelly) is cranking energetically on during this section for added drive. This time, instead of letting students jump freely, have them jump together. We suggest beat one of every other measure on the music. We also suggest that you decide ahead of time whether the lift or the landing of each jump occurs on the beat. It may take a little practice to coordinate it, but it will be fun. One hint for this section: Help students remember where they are with their jumps before going back to the D.S. by holding up fingers for each one. There are a total of eight.

This song would also make a good across the curriculum focus for healthy, aerobic activity. How does jumping "make your heart pump"? Is this a good thing? Why?