In Harmony!
A Program Using Materials
from Share the Music 2003

Prepared by Marilyn Copeland Davidson
Coordinating Author, Share the Music

This program can be presented as an across-grades program. Each class or a chorus from one or two grades can perform a song in this program at an appropriate time.

Compact disc numbers and track numbers, including stereo performance mix, are included for each song. A Performance Mix is a stereo version of the accompaniment, without a vocal track. Piano accompaniments are available in the Piano Accompaniment books.

To ensure that the correct songs play during performances, you may wish to record the accompaniments that you plan to use in the order of the program. Make a copy of the recording of program songs as a safeguard.

Students can write or supplement the program narrations, or do both. Any part of a song in this program may be altered, adjusted, or substituted. There may be any number of student narrators.

For continuity and dramatic effect, add an instrumental improvisation by students playing Orff or other instruments during some or all of the narrations.

Page and CD information are for the Share the Music 2003 edition. Songs that are also included in the previous edition are indicated with an asterisk (*).

In Harmony!

With…
	… Our School,
		… Our Friends,
			… Our Families,
				… Our Community,
					… Ourselves!

Narrator: Our school teaches us to live in harmony with those around us and helps us to develop skills in getting along with others at school, at home, and in our community. We hope to share this idea with you through our concert today (tonight). We begin our program with "Harmony." We hope you will join us!

* "Harmony," Book 6 page 110; Song: CD 2:42; Performance Mix: CD 11:22

NOTE: This is an easy and effective two-part arrangement. The chorus can sing both parts as written and the conductor can lead the audience in singing the melody of the refrain. Signing Master S 6 2 has sign language for this song. Selected members or the entire chorus could sign and the audience could sign along during the refrain. Students could learn to sing and sign the song during their individual classes or audience members could be taught signing for the refrain before the program begins. Students could take a copy of the signing for the refrain home to teach their family as a family project.

Narrator: We want to make our school a joyful place, where we discover the joys and challenges of learning. To do this, we need to get along with our teachers and administrators and take care of our school environment. It's up to us to work together, to be "In Harmony with Our School!"

"We Go Together," Book 5, page 10; Song CD 1:18; Performance Mix: CD 10:16

NOTE: Have students create their own words for the bridge (from last measure on page 10 to end of line 4 on page 11), with emphasis on school harmony. For example:

We know that here at school
We can make learning cool
Here's what we're singing of!
For if we get along
It only makes us strong
And we've a school we love

Narrator: Most of the time, it is easy to get along with our friends, but sometimes it becomes hard. It takes effort to be a loyal and dependable person who is always "In Harmony with Our Friends."

"Stand by Me," Book 6, page 150; Song: CD 3:29; Performance Mix: CD 11:23

NOTE: Have some students play the chordal accompaniment on keyboard, bells, guitar, or other chording instruments. (See the teacher's note at the bottom of page 150.) The bass line can be played on any low-pitched instrument. Boys with changing voices can sing the part one octave higher on a neutral syllable. Students can also perform a simple unison movement routine in a line in front of the chorus.

Narrator: It is always important to have support and encouragement from those around us, especially from our families. We dedicate our next song to them and remember that it is equally important for us to support them. Only then will we truly live "In Harmony with Our Families."

* "The Wind Beneath My Wings," Book 6, page 311; Song: CD 8:1; Performance Mix: CD 12:11

NOTE: For added effect, have one or more students dance, showing the meaning of this song, or project photos of families of chorus members during the song.

Narrator: We must also do everything we can to help our town and those who live in it to live "In Harmony with Our Community."

"Reach Out and Touch," Book 5, page 58; Song: CD 2:13; Performance Mix: CD 5:10

NOTE: On the second refrain, chorus members move out and circulate through the audience, shaking hands with audience members. On the last refrain, they encircle the audience and join hands with one another as a leader invites the audience to join hands with neighbors on each side of them. All hold their joined hands overhead on the last notes.

Narrator: As we go through life, we know that there will be times when we may feel overwhelmed by what is expected of us. Regardless of life's challenges, we can keep our lives harmonious with our family, our friends, and our communities and succeed in being happy and useful people, if we believe in ourselves. We can do it when we are "In Harmony with Ourselves."

"I Believe I Can Fly," Book 6, page viii; Song CD 1:1; Performance Mix: CD 11:9

NOTE: Dim the lights in the auditorium and show student art work or photos of chorus members and school staff as an overhead projection during the song. These images should illustrate harmonious relationships.

Other Song Possibilities (of many others):

With Friends:	*"Side by Side," Book 5, page 46
With Family:	*"Lean on Me," Book 6, page 144
	*"An American Dream," Book 6, page 200
With School:	*"Go, My Son," Book 5, page 284
With Ourselves:	"Comes Once in a Lifetime," Book 4, page 252
	*"The Rhythm of Life," Book 5, page 80
	*"Our Time," Book 6, page 248
With Community:	"Peace Round," Book 5, pages 26, 53