Dear Colleagues,

 

I teach in a school district where I'm responsible for choirs in grades 6-12.  I have found that if I can "hook" the 6th graders and get them to love singing, then they stick with me for the remainder of their middle school career and then in to high school!  My elementary feeder program is quite good, so the students are able to sing in 2 parts and then I give them daily doses of solfege and rhythm reading!  Can you provide me with some of your BEST 2 part treble pieces that you have used in this situation to excite, motivate, and inspire incoming 6th graders? (especially at the beginning of the school year).  I did check with the choral net archives before I posted this question and the last time we broached this subject was in the late 1990's.  I was familiar with several of the pieces listed in that compilation and a few were unkown to me.  I'd like to hear your ideas for 2 part pieces - even those that may be "off the beaten path."

 

Here is what I have already used:

Al Shloshah & Hinei Ma Tov - Naplan

Galop from Solfe Suite - Berg (unison, I know, but the students LOVED it!)

Under the Calico Tree - Thompson

Cantar! - Althouse

Fairest Lady and other pieces by Nick Page

Play for Me A Simple Melody - Berlin/Shaw (used later in the year)

Circle Round the Moon - Hierholzer

This Shall Be For Music and other pieces by Mark Patterson

 

Others in this same vain?  Please send me your ideas!

 

Thanks,

 

Jason Sickel

sickelj(a)yahoo.com