Ramadan is Coming
$7.00 – $15.00
This song presents the lighting of lanterns, the thoughtfulness, the sharing and the kindness and caring that are part of the celebration of Ramadan.
Simple rhythms are used with a narrow range (D4-B4) and tone sets that are familiar and comfortable for young, emerging singers. The lyrics are repetitious and simple, creating a four-verse song without overloading young singers with lyrics. The phrases are short, providing natural breathing spots during the verse with a short two-bar break to assist the singer with maintaining good breath energy.
Listen to melody + accompaniment:
Download Includes:
- Vocal score
- Lead sheet
- Director/piano score
- Lyrics
- Accompaniment – with melody guide
- Accompaniment – piano
- Teaching Tips
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Ramadan is Coming
See background information for the song Ramadan is Coming
Follow along with the lyrics as you listen to the accompaniment with melody guide for Ramadan is Coming.
Discussion
Discuss with your students the traditions they observe for holidays or special occasions.
Are there any unique activities or traditions observed by a student’s family?
What are the students’ favourite parts of these traditions?
Invite students who observe Ramadan to share some of the activities that are meaningful to them that are connected with this important part of their culture.
Read aloud the lyrics of Ramadan is Coming
- Find the three Ramadan activities highlighted in the song (one each in verses 1-3).
- Discuss each of these activities and their impact on the people who are taking part in the activity, and also how this affects those around them.
Score Study (for students in grades 2-3, ages 7-9)
The melody of Ramadan is Coming is composed using familiar tone sets.
Sing the first bars of the song using solfege names for the notes.
How many times is that tone set repeated to create the verse of the song?
The final phrase of the verse begins the same way as the opening phrase. However, look for the difference in the ending of the phrase.
Sing the entire song with solfege names and using hand signs.
Add Instruments
Add instruments to the performance of Ramadan is Coming.
Play on the first beat of each phrase.
Use a triangle, finger cymbal or pitched instrument such as a handbell (playing a D sounds good with the chord structure) and let the sound ring until it naturally fades away.
Use a different instrument for each of the first three verses and then combine all the instruments for verse 4 as it repeats the lyrics from verse 1.
Create a concert that presents a cultural mosaic
Research the various cultures and observances / holidays that are represented by students in your school or vocal studio.
Invite family members of your students to contribute songs and culturally significant traditions or tenets that are part of their observances.
Include narrations that give a brief but meaningful explanation of each of the cultural observances associated with the songs being sung to give context to the performance.
A cultural mosaic concert can also be used to introduce students to other traditions and cultures with which they may not be familiar. In our present-day climate of instant access to a variety of cultures through online avenues, learning about other cultures can be informative and bridge building.
Performance suggestion
Include battery-operated lights to the performance of Ramadan is Coming.
Two options:
- Lights are turned on and held high for verses 1 & 4 and hidden for verses 2 & 3.
- Turn on a few lights for each verse, cumulatively adding lights until all are lit for the final verse.
I spent some time with music teacher, Carolyn Duerkson brainstorming ideas for a multi-cultural concert music presentation for her school. Carolyn’s student population is diverse and she wanted to create a concert that was meaningful for students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. As we discussed song options, it became evident that there were “gaps” in the repertoire available for cultures represented by her students. Particularly difficult was finding meaningful songs for the youngest students in the school while also addressing their need for simple lyrics and simple melodies to ensure a positive performance outcome.
Ramadan is Coming was created using notes Carolyn compiled in consultation with a fellow staff member with cultural experience with Ramadan. She passed on her notes to me and we determined the grade level for which the song was intended. I take seriously Carolyn’s trust in me to craft words into a song for her inclusive concert program. I consider it a privilege to use my composing skills to fill a need that benefits young singers in their school concert.
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| License | Single User License, Classroom / Studio License, Treble Choir License |
|---|---|
| Context | |
| Topic | Celebrations, Community, Family, Holidays, Heritage / Culture, Ramadan |
| Level | |
| Vocal Range | D4 – B4 |
| Voicing | |
| Duration | |
| Composer | Donna Rhodenizer |
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