Free Like Me
by Teresa Jennings
If you're looking for a truly majestic, patriotic piece to honor your veterans, heroes, or any other patriots in your community, this tune is perfect. Despite its length and seeming complexity, it is actually very simple. The melody of the verses and choruses repeat almost exactly, except for the modulations. The entire song can very effectively be done in unison - with or without the soloists at the beginning. Parts 2 and 3 will certainly add to the overall impact if you use them, but they are both entirely optional. And, of course, the song would also work with just parts 1 and 2 (omitting part 3).
The song uses a classic building format - starting gently with just tuba and celli, adding a haunting trumpet solo, then duet, then gradually building to full orchestra. The snare drums also start sparsely, building in rhythmic intensity as the song progresses.
The first vocal entrance is an optional solo (sung for us by Celia Ellsworth), then adding an optional second part (sung for us by Grace Morgan) turning it into a brief duet. As the chorus enters, it does so at forte, but then retreats back to mezzo forte, allowing for further building later. The tune continues to build through the key changes for a really spectacular and appropriately big ending. Have students listen and follow along with the orchestra on the recording for cues how and when to build.
If you do choose to use parts 2 and 3, you will note that they are not exactly the same each time. Your students will do better with these parts if they are actually reading the music. However, to help them learn, we have created rehearsal tracks they can access on our web site. (See note below.)
In part 3, you will periodically see a note in parentheses. Throughout, this indication means that the note in parentheses is an alternate for the written note above it in case that note is too high for your lower, changed, or changing voices.
At the beginning of the song, we have indicated that a color guard or flag bearers can enter during the introduction. This is optional, but if you use it, it will add to the drama of the piece.
Online extras - We have isolated parts 2 and 3 and put them online as free MP3s for your students to use when learning this song. We have also included an a cappella version of all parts. You will find these under the "Graphics and Extras" for Volume 16, No. 2 at MusicK8.com
Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.