Song suggestions for African kids

Subject: Song suggestions for French-speaking kids
From: GUEST,van lingle
Date: 06 Dec 03 - 08:27 AM

I'm looking for English language songs to sing to and with French-speaking Rwandan children. Anybody got any ideas on songs that might transcend the language barrier? I'm going to do things like Fishing Blues, Freight Train and some John Hurt. I might even have time to learn 1 or 2 African tunes. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. vl

Subject: RE: Song suggestions for African kids
From: Sorcha
Date: 06 Dec 03 - 09:14 AM

How old???

Subject: RE: Song suggestions for African kids
From: GUEST,van lingle
Date: 06 Dec 03 - 12:48 PM

Toddlers through kids in their late teens, Sorcha. I'll be visiting an orphanage in Gisenyi, Rwanda. vl

Subject: RE: Song suggestions for African kids
From: Sorcha
Date: 06 Dec 03 - 12:59 PM

You might try English versions of French folk songs.....Sur Le Point d'Avignon (On the Bridge at Avignon), Claire de Lune (Light of the Moon), Frere Jacques, etc. They would at least probably know the tune. Otherwise, simple repetitive stuff with easily learned choruses like Bingo, Farmer in the Dell, etc. Also, Hokey P/Cokey might go over well.

Subject: RE: Song suggestions for African kids
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 06 Dec 03 - 01:39 PM

Van, where are you from? Traditional children's songs from your culture would have meaning for the kids, especially if you sang them as a child.
I know a children's clapping game from Ghana: Tue, tue
and another one from (I think) Kenya: Che, che kule
I must have them notated somewhere. Could I snailmail them to you?

As a music teacher I know literally thousands of songs. If you can give an idea of the types of songs you'd like, I'd love to contribute! The best advice I can give for the language barrier is choose simple, repetitive, rhythmic songs and songs with hand motions. Hokey-Pokey (or Cokey) is an excellent suggestion, Sorcha! As well as Bingo and Farmer in the Dell. Even young teenagers would love it who hadn't been brainwashed into thinking of those as preschool songs!

Subject: RE: Song suggestions for African kids
From: van lingle
Date: 07 Dec 03 - 08:12 AM

I'm from Maryland, Animaterra, and among my earliest musical favorites were Southern Applachian Folk, Bluegrass and cowboy songs. The songs I remember from Elementary school were things like Pick a Bale o'Cotton , Shoo Fly and Old MacDonald.

Those sound like good ideas, Sorcha and I'll try to track them down. I think you all have me started down the right path. Thanks,vl.

Subject: RE: Song suggestions for African kids
From: Dani
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 04:11 PM

Miss Mary Mack

Dani

Subject: RE: Song suggestions for African kids
From: van lingle
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 05:34 PM

Thanks Dani, that looks like something that will work. vl

Subject: RE: Song suggestions for African kids
From: greg stephens
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 04:30 AM

Pick a Bale o'Cotton is the perfect song for this sort of occasion. The repeated Oh Lordies are instantly picked up by anyone, it doesnt need teaching, it just happens. I've had great success with this one with Kurds and Afghans. Good old Leadbelly, eh?