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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
Traditional Song
RHYTHM WARMUP:
Clap, sing, or play along with the rhythm cards!
CONNECTING:
LITERACY
Watch and listen to this recording of the book "Happy Birthday to You" written by Dr. Seuss.
How do YOU celebrate your birthday?
Listening Collection:
"Happy Birthday to You"
00:00 / 02:15
The Music and the Brain Listening Collection recording for "Happy Birthday" uses a special kind of keyboard called a Rhodes piano. Can you hear it? What does it sound like?
CONNECTING:
LANGUAGE
People all over the world sing "Happy Birthday" in different languages. Even though the lyrics are in different languages, the melody stays the same! Can you listen to the video and figure out how to sing the song in a different language?
SONG ANALYSIS
(Think, track, and sing along!)
What does the rhythm sound like?
00:00 / 00:29
What does the melody sound like?
00:00 / 00:31
Which fingers play this song?
00:00 / 00:48
What are the lyrics of this song?
00:00 / 00:29
The fermata indicates that you should hold that note for longer than its normal value. You can choose how long you want to hold it!
PRACTICING:
Play along using the keyboard image with the video, or download your own keyboard card:
USE A CURVED HAND POSITION WITH BOTH THUMBS ON MIDDLE C.
BE SURE TO SWITCH HANDS WITH EACH CLEF CHANGE!
Play Video
PERFORMING:
Play along with and without the video using the interactive keyboard below!
USE A CURVED HAND POSITION WITH BOTH THUMBS ON MIDDLE C.
BE SURE TO SWITCH HANDS WITH EACH CLEF CHANGE!
Play Video
5 4 3 2 1 2 3 4 5
PRACTICE TRACKER:
How many times did you practice the song?
0
CONNECTING:
Check out these different tribute versions of "Happy Birthday!" In these versions, the song "Happy Birthday" is performed to honor a special person.
CREATING:
Find a new place for the fermata in the song. ​
Download the PDF here:
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