A New Year

by Teresa Jennings

The new year is always a time for reflection and for some, resolutions. Rituals of good luck are often practiced to start the year off with hope. But who says luck is something that has to be random or external? With positive thoughts, ambition, and belief in oneself, the future is open to all kinds of possibilities. What a wonderful and empowering message for young people.

We're very pleased with how this simple tune turned out. We wanted something a bit sophisticated for older students that could also employ an ensemble feel – rappers and a soloist – and yes, Boomwhackers® or mallets (optional as always). Though we did use a talented young lady for our solo work (Celia Ellsworth), you can use all or some of your singers instead. For the spoken parts, we used our lower voices and had them keep it mellow, but enunciated and determined.

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.