A Child Of This World

This anthem rock ballad is a piece about the power of music. Every child is born with music inside, and every voice matters. In any venue where you are celebrating music, such as for Music In Our Schools Month (March), this song could be a wonderful concert opener or closer. It starts gently and builds throughout to a big ending.

At measure 9, there is an optional solo (sung on our recording by young Shea Phillips). The solo could end at measure 17 as indicated, or it could continue to measure 24. Similarly, the section that begins at measure 27 could be sung by a solo (though we did not do it that way on the recording). If you do use a soloist, consider having a more mature, or at least different, soloist than the first one for variety. At measure 43, everyone joins in, including part 2, which is also optional. (A rehearsal version of part 2 can be found on our web site at MusicK8.com) We used older singers for part 2 and recommend you do the same as it is a little more challenging than part 1. However, you could simplify part 2 at measure 27. (See the note on the music.) In measures with two chords, adjust the notes as needed.

Be sure to have students pay attention to the musical nuances, such as dynamic changes. (Measure 17 is mezzo forte the first time, forte the second time.) The singers and orchestration on the recording will help them feel how the tune builds.

At measure 63, we have suggested the addition of claps on beat 3 of each bar. This coincides with the power hits on the drums, which classically define an anthem rock ballad. It also just feels good to do it. Claps can continue till the last few bars as you wish. We stopped after measure 88.

Listen carefully to the drum fill at the end of the song for the cut-off. It gives two distinct hits on toms just prior to the last hit. Listening to the accompaniment without singing a couple of times will help singers hear it.

The piano part is almost playable for a live performance as is. There are a few spots where three or four hands would be helpful. In these cases, just eliminate whatever seems to be out of reach. Keeping the chord centers and pulse going is the pianist's most important task in a live performance.