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Instrumental Track
The African proverb, "It Takes a Village" was set to music by Dr. Raymond Wise, director of the IU African American Choral Ensemble. The art for the song was done collectively by children and adults at the Monroe County Public Library. The piece was performed by the IU Children's Choir's Chamber Choir, directed by Sarah Miller.
"This idea is expressed in many African cultures. While the phrase representing this idea is not exactly the same from one African culture to the next, the shared value for community and collective responsibility is the same. In recent years this concept has spread beyond African culture and became a well-known phrase around the world. Having collaborated with various arts organizations throughout the Bloomington Community and having conducted the IU African American Choral ensemble, I realize that it takes all of us working together to effect positive change and greater cultural awareness within our community and its citizens." -Dr. Raymond Wise
Children's Choir, directed by Dr. Brent Gault, serving Bloomington area youth, ages 5-15 years of age
IU Children's Choir's middle school choir, under the direction of Sarah Miller at the time of recording
It takes a village, a village to raise a child It takes a village, a village to raise a child It takes a village, a village to raise a child Everybody plays a part to raise a child
Additional Verses It takes a mother, a mother to raise a child It takes a father, a father to raise a child It takes a sister, a sister to raise a child It takes a brother, a brother to raise a child It takes a grandma, a grandma to raise a child It takes a grandpa, a grandpa to raise a child It takes an uncle, an uncle to raise a child It takes a teacher, a teacher to raise a child It takes a preacher, a preacher to raise a child It takes a doctor, a doctor to raise a child It takes a dentist, a dentist to raise a child
Additional Verses It takes a mother, a mother to raise a child It takes a father, a father to raise a child It takes a sister, a sister to raise a child It takes a brother, a brother to raise a child It takes a grandma, a grandma to raise a child It takes a grandpa, a grandpa to raise a child It takes an uncle, an uncle to raise a child It takes a teacher, a teacher to raise a child It takes a preacher, a preacher to raise a child It takes a doctor, a doctor to raise a child It takes a dentist, a dentist to raise a child
Interactive Resources:
Interactive Resources:
This song lends itself to movement and choreography:
1.) The song can be performed as a hand game
PT PT CL CL LHU LHU PHD PHD
PT = Pat thighsCL = Clap handsLHU = Lift hands upwardPHD = Press hand down2.) A movement can be used to represent each person in the village. For each verse singers can do that movement.
3.) A movement can be used to represent each person in the village. Every time that person is mentioned, that movement can be done. When saying the words “to raise a child,” students can lift their hands in an upward motion.
4.) Sign language can be used for the people in the village. Student can use the sign language in rhythm while singing the texts.
5.) Students can dress up in costumes representing all of the people on the village and enter and form a line/group as each person in the village introduced within the song
Takes a Village.movTheme and Musical Concept to be shared
This song is intended to be performed by children, however it can also be used as a multigenerational community building song to celebrate the theme of unity in community.
The song is written in the call and response union chorus form. In the union chorus form, one leader states the opening line to indicate what text is to be sung for that verse, after which every one joins in singing the rest of the verse together.
The song can be performed as a cannon. With singers starting two measures behind. You may try the canon with 2-4 different groups. At the end of the song, each group should hold the last note on the word child until all groups are finished.
Vocal Range
The song is written in the key of D. The vocal range spans from A below middle C to A above middle C. Pending the vocal ranges of the children, the song can be performed in numerous keys, modulating from one key to the next as the verses change. The key can be lowered or raised in order for children to perform it most effectively in their most comfortable vocal range.
All lesson ideas and music shared, courtesy of Dr. Wise. Used with permission.
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