Shoes Of John

This simple African American Spiritual is great for:

  • Teaching the melodic elements 'low la' and 'low so' with the third line of the song.
  • Teaching the rhythmic element too-oo-oo (dotted minim / dotted half note).
  • Conducting in 4/4 with an anacrusis (i.e an upbeat).
  • Learning names - just sing the first verse and substitute different students' names for 'John'.
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Kodály Analysis:

Shoes Of John Theme: Spiritual Games: Learning Names
Partner: Form: Song Type:
Scale: do Pentatonic CSP: F - G Age: Middle Primary - Lower Secondary
Tones: s low l low d finalis r m s Rhythm: ; ;  
Melodic:
Prep: , l low s low
MC: , l low s low
Prac: , l low s low

 

Origin: African American
Source: 150 American Folk Songs to Sing Read and Play

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