Unpitched rhythm instruments, such as woodblocks, toneblocks, rhythm sticks and drums
Before You Begin
This song is a "play party," which was a particular type of music and movement activity that became popular in 19th century America as a result of religious objections to dancing in certain regions of the country. In play parties, structured and rhythmic movement was performed to unaccompanied singing, much like that used in children's games, such as "London Bridge." Eventually, the prohibition against dancing subsided, but the many play parties created a rich heritage of folk songs that remain popular through the present day. A version of "Shake Them 'Simmons Down" along with several other popular play parties is included on the Folkways recording American Play Parties, by Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg (FW07604, available online at Smithsonian Folkways: www.folkways.si.edu).
Instructions
Listen to this song about persimmons. Display a persimmon and cut it open to see the inside. Have you ever tasted a persimmon?
The nickname of a persimmon is 'simmon. It is a fruit that was originally from China, but is also grown in the United States, such as in California. It can be found in US grocery stores in the fall when it is in season. One type is called Fuyu and it looks a bit like a tomato. It can be eaten when it is soft, cut into wedges or simply bit into like an apple. It is super nutritious and sweet when ripe. It tastes like a mix between a plum and an apricot.
Teach the song while playing the play-party game. Stand in a circle. Arrange students in circle formation. The song tells what action to perform.
Circle right: join hands and circle to the right.
Circle left: reverse and circle to the left.
(Step) to the center: choose one group to take 4 steps to the center and 4 steps back, repeat.
(Step) to the center: choose another group to take 4 steps to the center and 4 steps back, repeat.
Promenade your partner: partners side by side, joining left hands and right hands and move around the circle. Repeat.
At the end of the song, move forward to the next new partner, and the song starts again.
Display rhythm cards featuring the rhythms in this song, such as Ti-Ti Ta, Ti-Ti Ti-Ti (Circle right, do-oh do-oh),Ti-Ti Ti-Tim Ta Rest (Shake them 'simmons down), Ti-ka-ti-ka Ti-Ti (promenade your partner), and Ti-Ti-ka Ti-Ti (step to the center).
Review each rhythm pattern card. Speak each rhythm. Clap each rhythm. Speak and clap each rhythm at the same time. Transfer rhythms to instruments.
Challenge: Speak the words of the rhythm while performing a rhythmic ostinato, such as a pat-clap pattern on the steady beat. Repeat, but speak the rhythm syllables this time while performing the rhythmic ostinato.
Harmony: Divide into two groups to review the call and response section of the song. Notice that the phrase Shake them 'simmons down is not always sung the same way!
Group 1: (Step) to the center..., (Step) to the center..., Prominade your partner..., Shake them 'simmons down.
Group 2: Do-oh, do-oh.... Shake them 'simmons down.
Change groups to learn the other part.
Perform this song by dividing into the Play-Party game and rhythm instruments. Repeat activity to allow everyone to perform every part.
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