Walk With Me

Probably the first thing you'll notice when listening to this song is the hard rock groove we've laid down. This is ideal for, well, walking. There are three bass lines going on, two drum sets (one is a real player, one is sequenced), plus the electric guitar. While we have provided a condensed score, we think you (and your students) will enjoy and prefer the recorded accompaniment on this one.

"Walk With Me" is easy to sing. Rhythms are fairly straightforward with no syncopation. There are a couple of sixteenth notes here and there, but they feel very natural. At measure 21, there is an a cappella round section. At measure 29, we've added a countermelody (part 2). The divisi on the round and part 2 are both optional. The round should be pretty easy since it's the same melody, just sung a bar later. Part 2 goes up to a high "D," and sounds neat with the other parts. Add some older singers for this part if you want to use it and if you feel the reinforcement would be wise.

One suggestion for movement is to have students stand in a chorus line. From measure 1, have them step or march in place, landing a foot on each quarter note. Do this until the section at measure 13 ("One step forward"), where the whole line should begin to walk, feeling the groove as they go. Ideally this would put a step on every other quarter note. They can march, sway, swagger, lead with their shoulders, bob their heads to the beat - anything they think looks cool. Have them stay in line as they do this, because they'll want to repeat these actions the second time. At the round section at measure 21, split the group in two and have them form their own circles, walking around as they sing. Have them form a chorus line again at measure 29, and add part 2 to the round. Have them join hands and raise and lower them rhythmically, stepping at the same time. They can move in place like this until the end of the piece. If they start by raising their joined hands on beat 1 of measure 29, they'll end the piece with their hands raised on beat 1 of measure 38. Have them hold that pose until the applause dies down! They can bow from this position. This might be a bit of a workout, but we think it will look impressive.

This is a song of unity and teamwork. It could be used for graduations, transitions, motivational purposes, or anything that just requires a cool groove.