Get Up, Get Up, Get Up!

If you're looking for a tune with energy, you've found it! Despite the sometimes complex-looking rhythms and snappy tempo, the melody is quite memorable. Just listening to the vocalists on the Performance/Accompaniment CD will help your singers figure out the rhythms and the style rather quickly. While there is an optional part 2 (which enters for the first time in measure 42), the piece is richly orchestrated and will make even a unison performance sound great. If you do want to use the second part, and it's a bit challenging for your students, consider having a group of older singers join in. For assistance in learning the second part, we have isolated it and put it on our web site where you can download it (free) for rehearsal purposes. Note that it is in two pieces. See box below for more information.

In bar 30, the melody note for part 1 is a low A. We found that this was easy to do in context, but you could substitute either a D or the A above if it's easier.

There is a wonderful instrumental interlude starting with the percussion break four measures before bar 53. This section gives your performers the opportunity to emphasize the energy of the piece through movement. We have included suggested movements using body percussion. You may use these as written, but of course, you can alter, adapt, or totally change them as you see fit. Part 1 is for stomping, part 2 is for patsching (thigh slapping). The L and R on the music are for left and right. If you wish, and your students are capable, you could combine parts 1 and 2, allowing all or some performers to do all the actions themselves instead of dividing them.

If you are doing the tune in performance, consider adding costumes. Pajamas, nightgowns, slippers, and robes would be ideal and easy to procure.

Online extras - The free, downloadable tracks mentioned can be found under the "Graphics and Extras" for Volume 17, No. 4 at MusicK8.com