Wishing You Were Here

Last year we published a song called "Thinking Of You," which we learned many teachers and students recorded and sent to loved ones in Iraq and other places overseas. We heard that having these types of sentiments sung to them by children was very meaningful to them and helped them get through difficult times. There are still a lot of Americans overseas and all around the world. This song could surely be used for them, but it can also be used for any situation where we are separated from people we care about.

Poignant and gentle, the song starts with a sweet and soulful soprano sax solo (played by Jim Farrelly) that comes and goes throughout. The easy tempo and groove help the song float along. This is another one that you could play on piano live if you had someone to play the soprano sax cues (which are indicated on the music for your convenience).

We suggest that you teach your students to sing this one in their head voices, even though the melody goes down to C sharp. It also goes up to high D, and dwells around A, B, and C sharp a bit, so it's lovelier when it's sung in head tones. Our singers present a good model on the recording.

The second part is optional, but very nice. Consider having some older students join in to help out with this part if you have younger students who either can't sing it or who need reinforcement. You could also simplify the second part by only having it performed at measure 42 each time. At that point, it is a response to a call and is quite simple to learn. The divisi on the last chord is also optional, but if they can do it, it's quite impressive. The drums on the recording give a cue for the cut-off.