Mighty United

We continue our all-school revue, This Is America (which began in Volume 13, Number 1), with this fourth tune, "Mighty United." This funky rock tune is written to emphasize the unity Americans can and do feel when they stand together. As the lyrics say, "We are mighty when we're united. Strong, when we take a stand." As every American knows, our efforts as a country are inspired by and for our freedom.

The tune is also written in such a way as to provide opportunities for your students with lower, changing, or changed voices to participate fully. Of course, as usual with our songs, the entire tune may be sung in unison using only part 1. Part 2, which appears at the chorus each time, is optional. It is in a comfortable range for those lower voices and only goes down to an A flat below middle C. The verse section of the tune (measure 13) is written in unison. If it presents a problem for the lower voices, they can sing it partially, drop an octave as needed, or simply rest. The rap section presents no such challenges and should be easily performed by any student.

Speaking of the rap, when rehearsing this section with students, encourage them to enunciate and deliver their own lines uniquely. In other words, don't let them become one big "sing-song" chorus, rising and falling in unison as they speak. They should each have their own inflection, putting emphasis on the words they feel require them. No two should sound the same. That way, when it comes together you have that blend of different sounds, everyone contributing their own personality and interpretation. (Try this analogy with them: It's kind of like the way America is a blend of different people. Though we are united, we are also individuals and contribute uniquely.)

Let your students listen to the recording on the Performance/Accompaniment Compact Disc for an example of style. Also feel free to point out the other elements in the recording worthy of note, such as the tenor sax solo which enters the third time at the chorus and reappears later in the tune. Though we encourage the use of the CD, we have outlined the basic wind lines on the piano/vocal score so that you can use them as cues or even include your own instrumentalists. We used trumpets, trombones, and saxes in addition to our usual phenomenal rhythm section. If you have any rock performers who would like to play along, let them! Just be sure to have the volume turned up enough for them to follow along.

As you may have already surmised, this tune also presents the opportunity for movement. You could create your own movement or dance steps for students to learn, or, better yet, let them contribute ideas. If you prefer, you can use (or borrow from) our ideas here. What we suggest is simple movement for groups to use during the chorus and verse. Due to the drama and building of the rap section, we did not include movement ideas here, though you can certainly add them if you see fit.

For the chorus movement ideas, repeat the pattern throughout the chorus (which is eight bars long) each time. Consider alternating whose hands are going up and whose are going down for an interesting visual effect, or save this version for the last time the chorus occurs at measure 34 for a "big finish." If you do not wish to use movement at these points, you could let students clap instead. Have them punctuate beats 2 and 4 of each bar with their claps. You could also select dancers or featured performers to either use a simple movement such as we have here, or do their own more elaborate movement. This type of tune lends itself well to funky rock choreography.

CHORUS MOVEMENT IDEAS Students stand side by side, hands joined.

• beat 1, measure 5 - on the syllable "nit," joined hands go up above heads
• beat 1, measure 6 - on the syllable "nit," joined hands come back down
• beat 1, measure 7 - hands go up again
• beat 1, measure 8 - hands come down again

Repeat pattern for next four bars.

VERSE MOVEMENT IDEAS

• beat 1, measure 13 - point to selves with thumbs
• beat 1, measure 14 - clasp own hands in front
• beat 1, measure 15 - arms in strongman pose (showing off biceps, fists clenched )
• beat 1, measure 16 - clasp own hands in front
• beat 1, measure 17 - point to selves with thumbs
• beat 1, measure 18 - clasp own hands in front
• beat 1, measure 19 - strongman pose
• beat 1, measure 20 - grasp each others' hands

At the very end of the song, beat 4 of the last bar, have students raise joined hands triumphantly as they sing "Yeah!"