Happiness Song

In 1864 the Navajo people were confined at Fort Sumner. The women would sing this song to encourage the men and keep up their moral.

This song is in mixed metre with some tricky rhythms based on triplets. Great for extending your more advanced students!

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Kodály Analysis:

Happiness Song Theme: American Games:
Partner: Form: Strophic Song Type:
Scale: Major CSP: C - D Age: Middle Secondary - Upper Secondary
Tones: s low d finalis m f s l d high Rhythm: ; ; ; ;  
Melodic: d high l s ; s f ; f d ; d s ; s m d ; d m s ; d s low ; s low d ; s d finalis
Prac: f

 

Origin: Navajo Folk Song
Source: http://www.bethsnotesplus.com

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