Page 211 - Voice for Life Songbook 1

Next you should allocate the solo sections of the verses. Don’t feel you have to use the same soloists for everything – see how many singers can manage a short line on their own. If you divide the solos between several people, it will reduce the burden of learning. Make sure the choir knows who sings what at bar 107–108 where the music is in four parts.
Every verse is different and the solo sections should have an improvisatory feel. Some of the rhythms are difficult to sightread, but on the first run through encourage your singers to be bold and keep going: you can put it right at a later stage. Even if it all falls apart in the verses, everyone will be able to find their place again at the refrain.
The refrain is repeated twice after the fourth verse with a short coda to finish. Both versions of the refrain are different to the original and will need separate rehearsal.The end needs to be just as confident, rhythmic and exciting as the beginning!
Musical skills and understanding
What is the time signature in this piece? What do the two numbers signify?
This song is written in the key of G major (with one sharp – F).There is one note that doesn’t belong in G major which keeps appearing as a ‘blue note’. Can your singers tell you which note?
What does tutti (bar 34) mean?
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