This is another song that can be sung straight through or as a 2 part round.
It is successful with large groups of 20+ but you can also use it with individual AAC singers.
The song really does benefit from a simple 4 − note bass line played around and around following the chords.
This can be done on a bass xylophone, piano, guitar, bass guitar or any appropriate instrument to hand.When singing with a group, try getting voice 1 really well−learned first.
The list of 4 words in the second line is flexible i.e you can put in any other greeting words you like. Perhaps try and find a replacement for 'Kabo' &min this is "welcome" in the Yoruba language of Northern Nigeria and was used because we were working with a Yoruba speaker in Exeter at the time we wrote the song − perhaps choose "welcome" in a language connected with the group of students you are working with.
Once you've got the first voice done and well-learned over a few sessions, then the leader or helpers might sing the second voice against the first.
Try and build an arrangement using this division of voices. This approach is great for learning about stopping and starting, since the students get a break in singing when they listen to the other voice.
Finally you might move on to students singing both voices, but make sure you've got strong singers in each group, so one group doesn't dominate.You can print off large A4 symbols of the key words to prompt learners’ memories.
These can be covered in matt laminate and adhesive hook Velcro stuck on the back. They then get placed on a large Velcro fabric covered board.
If you have an interactive white board then you can project words, symbols and images on that.
As you sing you can sign the key words.
An AAC singer can use his/her device to lead one group when you sing it as a round. This works well using sequencing devices (e.g. Step by Step, Sequencer) or devices with a 4 or more cell overlay (e.g. 4Talk4, GoTalk). It is a good idea to record a ‘lead in’ phrase so that the other singers know when to start singing e.g.
Ohh − All the world Is here at the door
Ohh − Welcome, Kabo, Hi ya, Salaam
Asking an AAC singer to lead a group gets around the potential problem of not having a confident ‘other’ singer to lead. And, of course, it gives the AAC singer a great opportunity to conduct a choir.
