Cindy for Easy Guitar Ensemble

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.