The Gift to Be Simple

This traditional Shaker song is presented with modern harmonies, rhythms, and instrumentation. Using ostinato patterns, long legato lines, and interesting percussion parts, this is a great choice for a concert opener or closer and can also be used for interdisciplinary teaching. Folk songs have long been an essential part of the concert band repertoire, and this modern approach to a well-known melody can help teach this important style to performers in a new way.