After you have learned the song, try a few of these ideas. Lesson Ideas.
The whole song is accompanied by a D drone. Ask a few children to try to copy this using pitched percussion.
The first section of the song can be accompanied by a steady D A ostinato. Ask a few children to try this. They need to maintain a steady beat.
Those who can remember the Rolf Harris recording will remember that he played a persistent rhythm through the song, using claves. Try to maintain this rhythm through the song.
Gather together a selection of instruments. Try to create a composition which re-creates the feeling of a sun rise. Ask the children to list the sounds that they'd expect to hear. Write down their ideas. Ask for suggestions as to what instruments and playing techniques could be used. Try to write out a sound score to help organise the sounds. You could add the recorded sound of the didgeridoo to your short composition.
Listen again to the sound of the didgeridoo. How many different types of sound can the player create? Listen carefully.
Try to find some more information on the didgeridoo. How are they made? How do they manage to keep the note playing for so long without taking a breath?
