I'm A Citizen Of This World

by Teresa Jennings

This energetic, uplifting song is the toe-tapping finale of the musical. All of your students should sing, if you can manage it.

As written, the song begins with one soloist, then two, three, and finally four before reaching the chorus at measure 30, where everyone joins in on part 1. You may, however, prefer to have several singers do each part, adding more for every entrance. However, you do it, be sure your soloists are standing right up front where everyone can see them. You might even consider having each soloist step forward one big step as they enter for a little show biz effect.

The part 2 is optional as usual, and enters only on the D.S. Its range is from the G below middle C to the A above it. But most of the time, it only goes to the G above middle C. It becomes divisi at the point it goes to the A, so you should be able to let your lower, changing, and changed voices belt it out with no problem.

At the end of the song, wait for the last chord to strike and hold for a couple of seconds before conducting the spoken words, " I am." These words should be said with confidence, and will be more easily understood if they are separated slightly. (Refer to the P/A cassette for style.)

If you are using the P/A cassette, you will once again hear a variety of percussion instruments being used. The instrumental side of the tape will be better for listening for the sounds as they occur. This time, there is a triangle, conga, and caxixi (which is a kind of a shaker).

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.