Chatter With the Angels
Above Image: J. Kirk Richards
Source: A traditional African American Folk Song
Arranged by: Betty Bertaux
Published by: Hal Leonard Corp - 48019425
Theme: Suitable for Christmas
Voicing: unison/2 part with piano accompaniment
Key: G major to A major
Vocal Range:
Optional percussion: sandblocks
Meter, Time Signature, Tempo: Back and forth between 2/2 and 6/8. To be sung "Brightly."
Performance Time: 1.30
What the Program notes say:
It is a well-known children's folk song from the African American tradition, has been sung and enjoyed by American children of all cultural backgrounds for at least a hundred years. Its peppy tune is easily learned and fun to sing.
In this arrangement, a second "angel counting song" follows the original song. The director and choristers may want to notice that the two songs have different meters. The first steps along in an upbeat 4/4 time signature, while the second swings along in a "soft shoe" shuffled style in 6/8 time signature. The "soft shoe" effect can be enhanced by using sand blocks, although the piece works just fine without them. For children who are especially good with rhythm, the sand block part should be fun.
For the inexperienced singers, this song will be better sung in unison. For those with a little more experience, the ostinato-like harmony doesn't last long, will be good practice for part singing and will liven up the song even more.
Words
Chatter with the angels soon in the morning,
Chatter with the angels in that land.
Chatter with the angels soon in the morning,
Chatter with the angels join that band!
I want to join that band and chatter with the angels all night long.
I want to join that band and chatter with the angels all night long.
There was one, there were two, there were three little angels,
There were four, there were five, there were six little angels,
There were seven, there were eight, there were nine little angels,
Ten little angels in the band.
Wasn't that a band Sunday morning, Sunday morning, Sunday morning,
Wasn't that a band Sunday morning, Sunday morning fine.
Chatter with the angels soon in the morning,
Chatter with the angels in that land.
Chatter with the angels soon in the morning,
Chatter with the angels join that band!
I want to join that band and chatter with the angels all night long.
I want to join that band and chatter with the angels all night long.
All night long
All night long
Chatter with the angels all night long!
Source: A traditional African American Folk Song
Arranged by: Betty Bertaux
Published by: Hal Leonard Corp - 48019425
Theme: Suitable for Christmas
Voicing: unison/2 part with piano accompaniment
Key: G major to A major
Vocal Range:
Optional percussion: sandblocks
Meter, Time Signature, Tempo: Back and forth between 2/2 and 6/8. To be sung "Brightly."
Performance Time: 1.30
What the Program notes say:
It is a well-known children's folk song from the African American tradition, has been sung and enjoyed by American children of all cultural backgrounds for at least a hundred years. Its peppy tune is easily learned and fun to sing.
In this arrangement, a second "angel counting song" follows the original song. The director and choristers may want to notice that the two songs have different meters. The first steps along in an upbeat 4/4 time signature, while the second swings along in a "soft shoe" shuffled style in 6/8 time signature. The "soft shoe" effect can be enhanced by using sand blocks, although the piece works just fine without them. For children who are especially good with rhythm, the sand block part should be fun.
For the inexperienced singers, this song will be better sung in unison. For those with a little more experience, the ostinato-like harmony doesn't last long, will be good practice for part singing and will liven up the song even more.
Words
Chatter with the angels soon in the morning,
Chatter with the angels in that land.
Chatter with the angels soon in the morning,
Chatter with the angels join that band!
I want to join that band and chatter with the angels all night long.
I want to join that band and chatter with the angels all night long.
There was one, there were two, there were three little angels,
There were four, there were five, there were six little angels,
There were seven, there were eight, there were nine little angels,
Ten little angels in the band.
Wasn't that a band Sunday morning, Sunday morning, Sunday morning,
Wasn't that a band Sunday morning, Sunday morning fine.
Chatter with the angels soon in the morning,
Chatter with the angels in that land.
Chatter with the angels soon in the morning,
Chatter with the angels join that band!
I want to join that band and chatter with the angels all night long.
I want to join that band and chatter with the angels all night long.
All night long
All night long
Chatter with the angels all night long!
