Happy Birthday

The melody of Happy Birthday comes from the song Good Morning to All. It was written and composed by American siblings Patty Hill and Mildred J Hill in 1893. According to the 1998 Guinness Book of Records, it is the most recognised song in the English language.

Discuss the qualities a song requires if it is to be sung by groups of people in largely unrehearsed settings. Use the song Happy Birthday to support their likely ideas of musical and lyrical simplicity.

Structure: the song Happy Birthday consists of just four lines, three of which are identical, with a very simple melody line and a rousing conclusion.

Composition Task: Use NoteFlight to Create a new Version of Happy Birthday

Rewrite the rhythm of Happy Birthday to You.

Instructions:

• Keep the same time signature as the original (3/4).
• Use the Key of C major (starting on a G) or G major (starting on a D).

Rehearse: Rehearse singing Happy Birthday using your new rhythms.

Perform: Sing your new version to the class.

Teach their new rhythmic version of Happy Birthday to You to the rest of your class to see how easy it is to pick up quickly.

Vote: Identify the version which was the easiest to sing by groups of people coming together to celebrate a birthday.