Celebration Sounds
by Teresa JenningsThanks to its world beat sound and African percussion, this song is ideal for African-American History Month or Kwanzaa. However, it can certainly be used for any celebration, as it is not specific. The only lyrics are "Hmmm," "Celebrate," and "La." It's also a good beginning song for part singing. And it's the perfect opportunity to use classroom percussion! As you hear on the recording, different types of African percussion are added one at a time. Then vocal parts are added one at a time. The song then unbuilds, part by part. Vary the building and unbuilding any way you like, or let your students make some suggestions for their own rhythms and variations. (Instrumental parts are not included. Percussion cues in the music are provided as a guide if you choose to add classroom percussion or perform the song live without our recorded accompaniment.) (from Music K-8, Vol. 7, No. 3)
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