Sing St John welcomes you to our Senior Singalong, Episode, 20.

My name is Winnie and I'm here today with Michael, Lucia, Gwen and Bodicea.

For the last several weeks, we've been singing songs in the spirit of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom is Coming.

There is a Balm in Gilead.

And then the Quodlibet When the Saints Go Marching In.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

And I want to sing, Sing, Sing.

So today we've got a lot of singing to do and even a little bit of movement.

We're going to practice a verse and chorus for each part.

Then sing every one of those songs.

So let's get busy.

It's important before singing to prepare our bodies, our minds and our hearts to do so.

So let's warm up together.

Let's start with posture.

Our backs are tall and ready for action.

If you're sitting, sit as tall as you can and place both feet flat on the floor.

Here we go.

Full breath in.

(inhale) Let's do it again.

Another deep breath.

(inhale) Very good.

Now it's time to vocalize.

(piano) Okay.

Let's try it together.

(piano) One more time.

Very good control of your breath your breathing, your posture.

Whew, A-pluses is all around.

Thank you.

Excellent.

Let's begin with Freedom is Coming.

We'll start by practicing the bass part with Michael.

(drumming) Two, three, four, one, two.

Very good, Michael.

Thank you.

And now we'll revisit the tenor part.

It's just you and me tenors.

We've got this.

Remember when we get to the Oh, yes part?

It will feel like we're interrupting everyone else.

(Micheal singing OS) Oh yes I know, Oh yes I know Nice job.

So let's move on to the alto part with Gwen and Lucia.

(other voices OS) Oh.

Oh, yes I know.

Excellent altos.

Time to add the soprano descant with Bodicea.

(other voices OS) Oh.

Oh, yes I know.

Oh, yes, I know.

Yes!

I can’t wait to put this all together.

Get on your feet all you singers Lets do this!

Here we go.

We’ll start with just the bass notes.

(drumming) Two, three, four, one, two.

Well, yay!

(laughter) Yahoo!

I'm so energized right now.

And that's a good thing, because we'll sing There is a balm in Gilead next.

This song is such a challenge to keep from flatting.

We need to keep our energy up.

Faces alert, breath strong.

No napping.

As we usually do we'll start with Michael reminding us the bass part.

(piano introduction) Great job, Michael.

Basses, you are off the hook for a little bit.

Now tenors are up.

(piano introduction) Okay, Altos, here we go.

Awake and alert.

Right.

Remember not to sing too heavy, or it will go flat.

(piano introduction) Great job, Altos.

The pitch is staying up there.

You can rest.

Have a little bit of water.

While Bodicea rehearses the soprano line.

We are almost there.

Let's refresh our memories.

What does a soprano part sound like again?

(piano introduction) Great work.

It's getting better and better every time.

Now, let's put it all together.

This is going to be so rich.

(piano introduction) Brava!

Yes!

Yes!

Yes!

Brava!

We're on to our last selection today.

We call this Saints Swing Sing Quodlibet That was a lot to say.

And there's a little movement, too.

(laughter) Let's remember what that movement was with Gwen and Lucia.

Singers at home you can do this from anywhere.

Standing, sitting in your chair, sitting on the couch, or even in your bed.

And although we are giving the altos this part today, anyone can sing along to any part at home.

Let's go.

Here's our starting note.

Hmmm......

Lets sing it while we're marching.

I'll count you in.

(shaker sound) Two, three, four.

One, two.

Nice job.

Do you notice that you feel that circulation working a little better once you get moving?

(laughter) Okay, the tenor and bass part is next.

(other voices singing) When the saints go marching.

Thank you, Michael.

Great job, everyone.

That ought to get your lymphatic system working again.

Bodicia and sopranos, it's your turn to sing, sing, sing and dance, dance, dance.

(other voices singing) You know, that is so good for our brains.

And messing it up is a good excuse for laughter.

Which is good for our souls.

Let's sing it through.

Well, here we are.

It's time to put all the songs and movements together.

Come on up here, everyone.

Two three, four.

One, two.

(shaker sound) Two, three, four.

One, two.

Wohoo!

Yes!

Ah ha!

We got it!

We got it!

We got it!

(laughter) Thank you very much.

Michael, Lucia, Gwen and Bodicia And a heartfelt thank you to all you singers at home for joining our Senior Singalong.

We are so grateful to The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands and WTJX for making this show possible.

Perhaps one day we'll sing together at work, or at play, on the mountain, or a family reunion, or just sitting around doing absolutely nothing.

Until then, keep singing!

(piano introduction) Good night to you all and sweet be thy sleep May angels around you their silent watch keep Good night, good night, good night, good night Good night to you all and sweet be thy sleep May angels around you their silent watch keep Good night, good night, good night, good night Good night to you all and sweet be thy sleep May angels around you their silent watch keep Good night, good night, good night, good night Good night to you all and sweet be thy sleep May angels around you their silent watch keep Good night, good night, good night, good night May angels around you their silent watch keep Good night, good night, good night, good night.

Good night everyone!