Singing Rounds for the Classroom, Haida in 5 Keys
Singing rounds for the classroom ought to be easy and energetic.
This round is high energy
Haida, an Israeli song with only two lines, fits the bill! Download this Hebrew folk song in five different keys, plus a LETTERS-IN-THE-MUSIC-NOTES version just for those non-piano-playing singers!
Singing this catchy round is very fun! My students actually ask to do it AGAIN and YET AGAIN at yet another recital (and I inwardly groan but usually acquiesce).
Here is the free sheet music for the musical round song in the lowest key, Eb minor:
Please scroll down the page for the download links.
Where are the chords??
My bad - I did not add chord symbols to the melody line. But, the chord progression is just I-V-I, I-V-I, over and over again. The "I" chord is minor, and the "V" chord is the associated major, up a 5th from the tonic.
If you are saying, "HUH?" then an example would be:
Am - E - Am.
Or, in the music above, Eb minor - Bb major - Eb minor
(Ebm-Bb-Ebm)
The meaning of the words
What is the meaning of the word "haida" in the Hebrew Chassidic round or song? Apparently (I don't speak Hebrew!), it is like singing "lah-de-dah-de-dah" or the like in English.
My primary purpose in giving students rounds is to teach them to sing independently: to hear a harmony, and yet carry their own line.
Singing slowly
Therefore, we might do a lot of very slow singing so as to savor each new blending of sound.
Whereas the key of Ebm is the lowest written version, the arrangement in Am is the highest:
Please scroll down the page for the download links.
A performance of Haida
I found this performance to be fun - a lot of cute children.
Sometimes, these public performances seem over-long; as a frequent recital-giver, I worry that the sameness of the music might tax the patience of the audience. Perhaps that is why the director of this adorable group of small children decided to add MOTIONS to their performance!
Notice, though, that the children are on RISERS - inherently risky equipment! I'm sure the parents and grandparents of those wee folk were biting their nails as their little ones slowly spun around, and shifted back and forth!
The links to the singing rounds:
Download singing rounds for the classroom "Haida" in Ebm
Download Hebrew folk song in Em
Download Haida Hebrew song in Fm
Download Haida Hebrew song in Gm
The link to an easy-to-play-on-the-piano version:
Download a version with letters in the notes for a non-pianist, in Em (not shown)
More Rounds at Music-for-Music-Teachers.com
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With lyrics from an older time, this is more difficult than many rounds, but compensatingly more beautiful, with more complex harmonies as well!
From Canada, a minor harmony round with energy and a catchy melody.
New lyrics for an old round by Haydn - well-suited to a mix of voices, a satisfying round
Christmas is Coming, the Goose is Getting Fat
Lots of big interval jumps, even octaves, make this round fun and tricky.
Originally from Germany (Kaffee), this is great fun to sing, and a lasting favorite with my students! With English lyrics - by me - that mention mochas, lattes, and "coffee black!"
A fancy melody from the 1600's with rhythmic intricacies, that is also pretty!
Difficult! Quite difficult for beginners, this beautiful round works best with a bigger group of singers, or even instrumentalists, unless your singers are experienced with harmony, and good note readers.
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The famous French melody.
Meditative, slow, and minor... a lovely round. This is a lullaby.
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Haida is vigorous and fun - there are two spots that invite a clap, adding to the rhythmic feeling of this song. Along with "Coffee," this is a favorite, frequently requested!
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Have You Seen the Ghost of John
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The first round I use with beginning singers. Very singable!
Another brisk Hebrew round, lovely and minor.
A fun 2-part round from Australia, good for classroom singing
Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
A happy song, easy to learn!
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Short, and very easy. This is a sweet melody with simple harmonies.
A pretty song with lovely lyrics
A song about peace, from Israel. Very lovely.
Viva la musica
A little different - there is a bit of dissonance to learn to sing through. A joyful melody!
A pretty little round with two parts and two verses, about white coral bells flowers along a garden path.
A street-seller's cry from England.
Dianna:
Your website is a light in the darkness. THANK YOU for all you do in helping to spread the love of music. It matters!
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Emily:
I printed "Flower Duet" off at church this morning, and it looks GREAT!!! :) Thank you so much for sending it on again - it's going to be so beautiful for my wedding!
Also, thanks for even making this music available! I'm a music teacher, so this website was a great find! :) By the way, the friend singing the Lakme part of the duet is very happy that you arranged it in G! :)
Deb:
... I watched your video "Wondrous Love" with your eight gals - Magnificent! So refreshing to see good harmonies sung a capella these days; it seems to be rare!
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Are there any recordings of the piano accompaniment only so that I may conduct my group while the piano part is played electronically? I'd be willing to …
About the Author
Hi, I'm Dana! (Say that like "Anna".) I'm the owner of Music-for-Music-Teachers.com, and a newer site, SingTheBibleStory.com.
Like some of you, I've been playing the piano since early childhood, and have added a few other instruments along the way, plus an interest in arranging and composing music.
You can find out more about me and the reason for this website at my About Me page.
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