Repertoire Selection: Unison Voices

The Little Birch Tree

Russian Folk Song – Arr. Mary Goetze

            The Little Birch Tree, arranged by Mary Goetze, is an excellent selection for young voices, specifically children between the ages of 8 and 12 (before the voice change). The range (a seventh from E4-D5), stepwise motion of the melodic line, and repetitive nature of the piece make it ideal for new or budding vocalists. If I were given the opportunity to program this piece, I would most likely program it with a 5^th-6^th grade combined choir, an ensemble that is typically present in public schools in New York State.

            There are a few musical ideas I would teach using this selection. First, I would review the tonality (natural minor/Aeolian mode). To reinforce tonality, I would engage the students in listening activities, pattern instruction, and sight-reading. Second, I would address the cultural aspects of the piece (Russian Folk Music) through listening, reading poetry from the culture, and exploring cultural instruments. Next, I would engage the students in artistic decision making. Because the score calls for an accompaniment of either recorder or flute, I would have the students listen to the accompaniment performed on both instruments and ask them to decide which instrument suits the piece the best.

            At this point in time, I would not make any adjustments to the score because I believe it is well suited to the age range mentioned above. Considerations may need to be made if this song were to be performed with an older or younger ensemble. Considerations could include, but are not limited to, transposition of parts or development of a harmony line.