Star-Spangled Banner substitute songs
Found in: Accompaniment, Foundation Songs
Dianna E., Minnesota
I have a pair of siblings in Level 2 who have asked to be exempted from learning the Star-Spangled Banner for religious reasons. I suggested a compromise: they would learn the chords, but SSB would be the only Accompaniment song I do not require they sing along. Whey are considering that option, but meanwhile, I would like some suggestions for songs I could substitute that would teach the same concepts (in case my compromise isn’t satisfactory with them). I am not so concerned about the split chords – I know they will get them later on in the Accompaniment program – but I do want something that introduces the concept of a chord stealing that third beat. Any ideas?
Katie S., California
Turn it into a composition project where they write their own words and melody. Awesome project! I did it with a Jehovah’s Witness. They make up their own melody. You will need to demonstrate an example that sounds good enough: “I like ice cream, especially chocolate”, etc. Show them how easy it can be.
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
Happy Birthday is apparently now public domain – you could use that and throw in a few split chords.
Vicki L., New Zealand
The Accompaniment program does it brilliantly.
Tennessee Waltz sound beautiful with split chords, and it’s simple with most people knowing it.
For example, the first line:
I was dancing (C)
With my darling (C/G)
To the Tennessee (C/E)
Waltz (F)
1:3 ratio