The Orchestra Sings
“Simple Gifts”
Joseph Brackett
Repertoire: Singing, Basic Recorder, Recorder Star
Recorder Notes Needed:
Basic Recorder: G, A, B
Recorder Star: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C, D
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Download printable “Simple Gifts” Basic Recorder sheet music (PDF).
Download printable “Simple Gifts” Recorder Star sheet music (PDF).
Download printable “Simple Gifts” piano and vocal score (PDF).
Audio
Repertoire Exploration
Learn fundamental concepts of music and engage in creative activities through a deeper exploration of the ideas and themes of the Link Up repertoire.
Composer Bio
Joseph Brackett
Joseph Brackett (1797–1882) was an elder, or minister, in the Shaker community, a religious group that considers music to be an essential part of worship. Born in Cumberland, Maine, Brackett and his family were actively involved in the local Shaker community. As a religious leader, he did not write much music; he is best known as the composer of the Shaker dancing song, “Simple Gifts.” The song, written in 1848, was largely unknown outside of Shaker communities until Aaron Copland used the melody in his 1944 composition Appalachian Spring.
