Down by the Sally Gardens
Easy Guitar Ensemble
Arranged for rapid learning by
Steve Eckels
I have formatted this ensemble specifically for rapid learning. To support beginning students, the
arrangement features five parts: melody, harmony, bass, chord symbols and
lyrics. For the benefit of diverse
classrooms, the music is written on one page in standard notation, alpha
notes, and tablature. The arrangement
is purposely written in concerted rhythm to simplify the learning
process.
Teaching Suggestions:
Sing - Teach the chord progression and encourage the class to sing along as
a way to attune their ears to the melody.
I suggest walking through the chords in free meter and on the second
pass, add the beat.
Melody - Once the class is familiar with the melody, give them time to
pre-read the melody using the format that works best for them - either
standard notation, alpha notes, or tablature.
Play through the melody twice.
During the second pass, you should play the harmony for the class to
hear.
Harmony - Allow the class time to pre-read the harmony. As a class, play the harmony twice. On the second pass, you should play the
bass for the class to hear.
Bass - Allow the class time to pre-read the bass. When they are ready, play the bass
twice. On the second pass, you should
play the melody.
After all the parts have been practiced, allow students to choose their
favorite part. You may want to assign
advanced students to certain parts to insure all the parts are covered. Advanced students may try to play two parts
at once.
You can expand the arrangement in several different ways. During one pass sing the lyrics, during
another allow a soloist to play.
Invent an introduction or ending.
Be creative.