Solfeggio XVIII

In our never-ending search to come up with ways to teach our students solfege, we have invented some very interesting pieces. This latest offering is definitely one of them. Set in an "ancient power rock" style, it immediately captures the imagination with big drums and ethereal synths that evoke images of distant times and places, power guitars notwithstanding. To further enhance the flavor, students chant the solfege syllables as part of the groove (part 2). The sheer repetition of it will no doubt imbed it into their young minds forevermore. Or at least until the end of the school year. Hopefully.

Part 1 doesn't begin until the repeat at measure 5, which allows the tune to build nicely. It is sung in a sustained manner, contrasting with the punctuation of the chant. While it follows the ascending C scale somewhat, it plays with it a bit, complementing the guitar solo, with whom it partners the third time.

A natural thing to do with a piece like this is to add the Kodály hand signs for the solfege syllables. We have included them here (below) for your convenience.

And talk about "air guitar" opportunities. See if your kids can resist! Plus, the solo guitar line is actually included in the music, so if by some chance you have any budding guitarists in your midst, let them groove along! (And in case you didn't quite get it, the XVIII is in reference to our year - Volume 18. Tee hee.)