Now Let Me Fly

This great old spiritual has always been a favorite - a strong melody with lots of rhythmic interest, and many options for creative arranging. In this case, it also worked well for recorders, with the players wrapped in a richly powerful gospel setting that features an expanded rhythm section, big band, and strings. Often, slower tempos needed for younger players can make a song sound unnatural or contrived. Not so here, as the laid-back tempo makes the jazz-flavored arrangement sound quite natural.

It is set for two soprano recorders. The first part can be played by students who can only play G, A, and B. Part 2 requires low D, low E, G, A, B, C, and high D. The two parts can be played together or separately. And if you are feeling experimental or bold, find the lyrics and turn your better singers loose on the tune. It should work well, but the key will challenge less mature singers.

As an especially poignant spiritual with lyrics that portray the strong emotions of slavery, this song can provide a great component for a unit on spirituals. What a great way to make music a strong part of cross curricular studies during African American History Month. See the Music K-8 Magazine Index inserted in the first issue of the year for more ideas. You can use it interactively on our web site, or go to the Magazine Index found on the Music K-8 Magazine button at the top of the web page. That amazing web site is MusicK8.com

To help you with your study of the tracks, a reduced score is available on our web site as a free PDF download. (See below.) And if you enjoy this rich arrangement and would like to find much more fine recorder programming, listen to the music available in our new magazine, RECORDER CLASSROOM. You will find details and sound samples at RecorderClassroom.com

Online extras - The free, downloadable tracks mentioned can be found under the "Graphics and Extras" for Volume 19, No. 3 at MusicK8.com