Follow The Rainbow

This delightful Celtic folk style song can be used for celebrating St. Patrick's Day, for helping to learn about rainbows, or for adding a colorful feature to a spring performance. Most schools teach about rainbows - what causes them, when to look for them, and what colors are in them. While this song doesn't get particularly technical, it does talk about the colors in such a way that may help students remember them in order. (This is another example of a song that can bring a topic across the curriculum!)

As for the St. Patrick's Day reference, the lyrics refer to the legendary pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Of course, there is no pot of gold in reality, and in fact, you can't get to the end of a rainbow. But isn't it a lovely idea? That reference shouldn't limit your use of the song to that holiday however. As mentioned, it also offers a good opportunity for a simple, but effective, performance piece.

There are movement suggestions right on the music which employ the use of colored scarves (or streamers). Students can gently wave the scarves during the introduction, interlude, and ending in either a freestyle manner, or in a choreographed manner. Have them stop at measure 9 each time, if you wish, for contrast. During the naming of the colors (starting at measure 17), let each color be featured individually. All students hold their scarves still until their color is named in the song. At that point, students with the named colors can step forward and wave their scarves. They can either stop as the tune moves to another color, or the effect can be cumulative, adding moving colors as they are named until all are waving.

There is a second vocal part, which is optional. But it's also quite easy, in case you want to use it as an introductory song for part singing. It also adds a nice touch to the piece if you can do it.

The recording is particularly nice for this one, too. It features Sandy Williams on guitar, Jim Farrelly on penny whistle, and Larry Shapiro on violin. Consider supplementing the recording by adding your own light percussion, such as hand drums and tambourines. Keep the patterns simple. Make sure players shift their patterns from a more smooth, sustained style at measure 9 to a bouncy and lilting style at measure 17 as our players have done. (This goes for the singers, too. Listen to ours for a good example.)