Whether you use the song for African-American History Month or just as a call and response tune, this wonderful old spiritual is bound to become a favorite. On the recording, the first and ninth verses are sung by all. Every other verse is sung with a soloist starting each line, with all answers and choruses sung by all. The other twist in this arrangement is the addition of percussion setting up a traditional rhythm under the 6/8 rolling feel. You will hear congas, hoe blade, shekere (shakers), and a special part for kalimba, an African thumb piano. (from Music K-8, Vol. 10, No. 3)