Page 12 - Voice for Life Songbook 1

How to use the Voice for Life Songbook
The Voice for Life Songbook has been compiled in line with the Voice for Life philosophy, to give singers the
opportunity to:
􏰀 enjoy using their voices
􏰀 learn to use their voices well
􏰀 experience a range of musical styles
􏰀 sing both accompanied and a cappella
􏰀 develop their musical skills and understanding
The Songbook contains a range of material compiled with young people and singers at beginner and intermediate levels in mind.With traditional church music, gospel and jazz, and songs from around the world, this volume will appeal to singers of all ages, and provide your choir with the opportunity to explore a range of musical styles.
The majority of songs in this collection can be sung by everyone, and are designed to help you develop the confidence of your singers as you progress through the book:
Warm-up songs, rounds and canons
These are short songs which are ideal for use at the start of a rehearsal as part of a warm-up. Some are ‘call and response’ songs, others are short action songs or rounds which include optional ostinato parts.You will find that most of these songs can be taught by rote without using the music.
Unison songs
A selection of songs for unison voices, some of which are written in a simple verse-chorus structure, and others are more developed.
Unison with descant
The majority of songs in this section have been designed to be flexible, so the descant is often optional, depending on the capability of your choir and the resources available to you.
Two parts and more
The songs in this section range from short songs with ostinato accompaniment to help develop part-singing (up to four parts), to longer songs and anthems.
The vocal parts in this Songbook are photocopiable so you can provide the singers in your choir with the music. (This permission to photocopy applies only to the purchaser’s own choir or group.Any pages which may be photocopied are clearly marked ‘You may photocopy this page’ at the bottom of the revelant pages). Do not feel that your singers must always use the music though: they will have a far greater freedom of movement, will have a greater sense of ensemble and will be able to watch you conducting more closely if they can also learn to sing from memory.
A demonstration of each song is included on the accompanying CD.This is intended for those who would like guidance on how a particular song should sound, and also for those who are not confident at reading music, so they can listen to their part and learn it.There is an additional CD available from RSCM Music Direct which contains piano accompaniments of each song in the book for you to use in rehearsals if you do not have a pianist.
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