It’s always good to incorporate life lessons into our music. During the past weeks, we have witnessed students from around the globe become organizers of change. They have been using their voices to condemn policy, violence, social injustice and hatred to name a few. These leaders were formed in their homes, communities, centers of faith and in their classrooms. Through lessons in the music classroom, we can also share in the social development of our children.
At ChimeWorks, we offer the lessons below in the theme of peace. They combine a great text and tune with easy-to-teach harmonization which will work well in the classroom or concert stage. All are available for immediate purchase and digital download at the cost of $2.29 each – just pennies per student – in our “Handchimes in the Classroom & Rehearsal” store.
Lessons Using Chords to Harmonize Singing
- Use: Sacred, Secular
- Level: 3 – 6
- Canon: Yes
- Language: Latin
- Origin: Europe
Dona Nobis Pacem is a traditional song in round or canon form. The text translates to Grant Us Peace and is taken from the Latin mass. While the source of this canon is unknown, it is believed to date from the 16th century.
- Use: Sacred, Secular
- Level: 3 – 6
- Chords: 5
- Language: English, Hebrew
- Origin: Israel
Hevenu Shalom A’leychem is a traditional Jewish greeting wishing the goodness of a peace-filled life.
- Use: Sacred, Secular
- Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
- Chords: 3
- Language: English
- Origin: African American Spiritual
Peace Like A River is an African American Spiritual. The first three items of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) are love, joy, and peace. This spiritual compares the peace of God to a placidly flowing river, the joy of Christ to a merrily bubbling fountain, and the love of God to a deep, wide ocean.
- Use: Sacred, Secular
- Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
- Chords: 3
- Canon:Y es
- Language: English, Hebrew
- Origin: Israel
Meaning farewell, good friends, Shalom Chaverim is a traditional song sung at parting. It may be sung in English or Hebrew. It may be used as a three-part canon (round). It may be used for welcoming guests or in teaching friendship.
Lessons Using Ostinati Taught by Rote to Harmonize Singing
- Use: Sacred, Secular
- Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
- Canon: Yes
- Language: English, Hebrew
- Origin: Israel
Good and Joyous is a traditional Hebrew song usually sung in canon (round) form. It is based on Psalm 133. In the text, the word people may be used in place of brothers.
- Use: Secular
- Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
- Canon: Yes
- Language: English
- Origin: America
Happy Days is a four-part canon that has been sung for generations. Its origin is unknown.
- Use: Secular
- Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
- Canon: Yes
- Language: English
- Origin: America
Make New Friends is a traditional campfire song sung by Girl Scouts in North America.