Go Down, Moses

Description

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Piano — Strategies for teaching Go Down, Moses, SATBIt’s all about the Rhythm!Syncopated rhythmic patterns are repeated throughout Go Down, Moses.Create warmups and rhythmic games using these patterns.xa0xa0 Encourage students to create combinations of the patterns.PATTERNSxa0 A, B, C, and D go hereTeaching minor scalesGo Down, Moses is written in a minor.xa0Play and/or sing these minor scales with students.xa0 a harmonic minor-raises the 7th degree of the scale (g#)xa0a natural minor-does not raise the 7th degree of the scale (g natural)This piece uses both scales, frequently using g # and g natural in the same phrase.Example: m. 11-12, m. 15-16Rules for Expressionxa0These rules are part of an Independence Hierarchy. They help young singers sing expressively and gain independence. Teachers should feel free to create their own “rules” so that students are more independent.xa0The Rule of the Steady Beat states that any note longer than the steady beatxa0usually gets louder. In Go Down, Moses the half note gets one beat and is the steady beat. Take time to identify examples of this rule of expression. Students should be able to independently identify and demonstrate.PATTERNS E and F examples go hereSometimes notes longer than the steady beat will get louder and then softer.PATTERN G goes hereRule of Punctuation states that punctuation marks give singers permission to breathe, unless otherwise directed. If there is NO punctuation singers should not break or breathe during the phrase unless directed by the teacher.xa0 With much syncopation in the vocal parts and the tremendous rhythmic drive in the articulate piano lines, this re-voicing of the ever-popular African-American spiritual Go down, Moses will set your mixed choir up for success. Exhilarating to learn and perform, this arrangement is dynamic and impressive, sure to be a hit with students and audiences alike. Also available for TTB Voices (BL292).

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