B A Good Student
by M.C. Handel/Teresa Jennings
Though this lively Latin tune was written for beginning recorder students to practice and use the notes B and A, it's also a great song to sing at the beginning of the school year - or any time learning is the focus. Invite other classes or select groups of students to sing along as your recorder students play. Not only are there just two notes to learn for players, but the rhythms are also simple. They'll feel like they're part of the band right away!
The vocals are also easy, despite a little bit of syncopation. There is an additional clapping part, which is indicated on the vocal part. If the rhythms look difficult, tell your students to use their ears and listen! Listen to the rhythm of the instruments on the recording, then all they have to do is imitate it. Even the lyrics, "Feels so good, good to be learning" are sung with the same rhythm.
On the lyric page, which is included at the bottom of the vocal part on page 66, we have drawn a couple of friendly recorders showing which holes in the front need to be covered for which notes. They also remind us that there is a thumb hole in the back that needs to be covered.
Online extras - A free, downloadable score for this piece can be found under the "Graphics and Extras" for Volume 17, No. 1 at MusicK8.com
Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.