Children Go Where I Send Thee (short version)

This version of "Children, Go Where I Send Thee", offers a rhythmic, upbeat, slightly jazzy style of this traditional African-American spiritual that appeals to all ages. It is unison with piano accompaniment. I've condensed it into three sections: Section1 has the first verse, Section2 has verses 1-5, and Section3 has verses 1-10, making this piece just under two minutes. You can further liven it up by adding side steps (or sways) and claps (the steps on beats 1 & 3, and the claps on beats 2 & 4). Elementary age children enjoy creating hand gestures similar to Sign Language (but not exact) for each verse. As it references the Baby Jesus, it is often performed in December leading up to Christmas, but is really appropriate whenever spirituals are programed. Performed with passion and energy, it is a show stopper and would be an appropriate culmination as the ending piece of a concert.