A Brand New Song

by Karl Hitzemann

Music is a universal language. It can convey messages of hope, happiness, sadness, triumph, patriotism, and well, just about anything you can think of, and it has the power to bring people together. Music really is quite an amazing thing.

Since March is Music In Our Schools Month, we decided it was time for a brand new song about music. So, here is the cleverly titled "A Brand New Song." The message here is simple: "We can change the world if we just write a brand new song." Use it for your school's celebration of MIOSM, or for any performance, recital, concert, competition, etc., that touches on the importance of music. There's also nothing wrong with using it in your music class solely for the enjoyment of it.

You have the option of beginning and ending this piece with a soloist as we did on our recording. Of course, you may choose to use two or three singers instead, or just simply have your entire choir sing the whole song. It might be nice to use some hand gestures, as well. For example: "If you sing," point to the audience; "and I sing," point to yourself; "the world will sing along," spread out arms indicating the whole world (or at least everyone in the room).

The second time at measure 14 there is an optional second vocal part. The song will still sound great without it, and the part is covered in the orchestration, but if you can pull it off, it really adds to the buildup of the piece. On our web site, you will find an isolated part 2 rehearsal track that will help your singers learn the part.

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.