We Shall Overcome, a Multi Level Flexible Ensemble. Studio License

Interactive Activity for Lessons: For Individuals or Groups on 1 Piano or Piano Lab

Perfect for an easy January lesson - and to begin a conversation about MLK day.

For Levels: Primer Elementary (with Note Assist) to Late Elementary/easy Early Intermediate

FREE BACKING TRACKS: DOWNLOAD YOURS HERE.

What is this?

This piece contains short lines of music: each part is for 1 hand at a time, that can be easily combined in many creative ways - these parts are:

Part 1: Melody of the Tune

Part 2: Harmonic Chords & Chord Symbols that accompany

Part 3: Bass Line

Part 4: Counter Melody

Part 5: Rhythm Focus: Hand Percussion

Part 6: Intermediate level “teacher” accompaniment

How can you use this music?

1. Keep it Simple: Teach each part to all students, then let them choose which part to play. It now becomes an instant Ensemble.

2. When students are comfortable, play with the Backing Track - each track is 2 times through.

3. More Options: Have advanced students combine parts - play Part 1 with Part 3, or Part 1 with LH Part 2, etc.

4. It’s Flexible! All parts can work on 1 Piano, just move parts to high or low as needed.

5. Use it as a Sight Reading exercise.

6. Use it to teach reading Chord symbols and playing Lead Sheets.

Who is this for? Primer (Note Assist is provided for those who need it), Elementary and beyond. Perfect for students who read most notes and can play independently. Great practice for playing in Ensemble pieces.

Key: G Major

Time signature: 4/4. BPM = 112

Skill development: Primer: LH thumb on Middle C, RH thumb on D. Elementary: G position. Chords in G: G, C, D, D7, Em, and A7. Primer: 2 note chords in RH. Elementary: 3 note chords in LH Other skills: Playing in an ensemble, Steady beat quarter notes in chords, learning familiar folk songs, Elements of a song, independent playing, Hand rhythm percussion parts. Includes some simple facts about the American Civil Rights Movement.

Level: from Easy Elementary to Early Intermediate

How long: 16 measures. 8 Pages. about 2 minutes performance time.

What’s a Quick Pick? Something useful but QUICK to do, like a Warm Up exercise, a Music Theory lesson, Sight reading, Rhythm exercise and more, but mostly - it doesn’t have to take a lot of extra TIME!!