Sing St John welcomes you to our Senior Singalong, Episode, 18.

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

Today we're going to sing a song called, “There is a Balm in Gilead”, Biblical Records indicate that a location beyond Jordan, Gilead there existed a healing substance known as the Balm of Gilead.

Over time, this name became a euphemism for Jesus and the power of faith to soothe and heal.

The text of this spiritual dates back to 1779 in a hymn by John Newton called The Good Physician.

Today's recognized form was published in Folk Songs of the American Negro by Frederick Jerome Work.

It’s always important to give our body and our minds a little preparation before singing so lets do a little warm up.

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.

Okay.

One last exercise for today.

(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.

(piano introduction) (happy sighs) Well, let's get to work.

Michael's going to teach you the bass part for the chorus.

and then the verse.

He'll sing a phrase.

And then you will repeat.

He sings.

You repeat.

(humming note) Beautiful, Michael.

Now let's do the verse.

Michael, I think you're ready to sing the chorus and the verse with the recording of the other parts in the background.

(piano introduction) Excellent work Michael.

Those tricky places in the verse takes some practice, but it pays off, doesn't it?

Yep.

Okay.

Bases, go have some water, take a breather, it’s time to learn the tenor parts.

You know the drill.

I sing.

You repeat.

(humming note) Good job.

Now we can go on to learn the verse.

(humming note) Great.

Now let's sing it straight through chorus and verse.

(piano introduction) Great job to all you tenors out there.

You've earned a rest.

Now let's get Gwen and Lucia back up here to teach us the alto part.

Okay, chorus first.

We sing.

You repeat.

Nice job.

Now we'll go on to learn the verse.

I definitely think we're ready to sing the chorus and the verse through with the recording of the other parts.

(piano introduction) Nice job, ladies.

Now we'll give the altos a break while we learn the soprano part with Bodicea.

For those of you who do not yet know this song, Bodicea and I will teach you the soprano melody to the chorus and the verse.

We sing.

You repeat.

Chorus is up first.

And now the verse.

Repeat after us.

Let's see how it feels when we sing the chorus and verse through with the recording of the other voices.

(piano introduction) All right.

Good job.

Thank you, Bodicea.

You’re welcome.

I think it's time to invite Michael, Lucia and Gwen back to sing all the song, with all the parts, all the way through.

Everyone ready?

Yes.

Let's remember to take relaxed, deep breaths and nice, long phrases.

(piano introduction) Oh, yes.

Bravo, bravo.

Thank you for joining our Senior Singalong.

One day perhaps we'll sing together at the airport or the laundry, or a family reunion, or, even the beach.

But 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!