Carnegie Hall

• Listen to “Si Veriash a la Rana” to hear the full song.
• Using “Si Veriash a la Rana” title pronunciation, “Si Veriash a la Rana” chorus pronunciation, and “Si Veriash a la Rana” chorus, learn to sing “Si Veriash a la Rana.”
• Listen again to “Si Veriash a la Rana” and sing along.
• Explain that Sephardi women often sang this song together as daily tasks. Have one student sing the chorus alone, then add another voice, and then the whole class.
• Ask students:
  • How did it feel to sing alone?
  • What changed when others joined in?
  • Do you prefer singing alone or with others? Why?

• Discuss the lyrics of “Si Veriash a la Rana.”
  • “Si Veriash a la Rana” describes animals preparing food with their sisters—talking and eating together.
  • What food do you make at home that you share with family and friends?
  • Have you ever eaten a pastry? One of the most well known Sephardic foods is called a boreka, a pastry made with dough that is filled with savory fillings like potato, cheese, or leafy greens.

Perform and Move to the Rhythm in “Si Veriash a la Rana”

• “Si Veriash a la Rana,” like many folk songs, has a distinctive rhythm.
• Explain that there are nine counts in every measure. If your students are ready, you can introduce the concept of meter and explain that the meter of the song is 9/8.
• Listen to “Si Veriash a la Rana” and count to nine together in each measure.
• Listen again to “Si Veriash a la Rana” rhythm and practice clapping or tapping the rhythm together.
• Listen again and notice the strong and weak beats in this rhythmic pattern: 1 2 | 1 2 | 1 2 | 1 2 3
• Once your students are comfortable clapping the 9/8 rhythm, invite them to feel the rhythm by moving to the music as you listen and sing along to the full song “Si Veriash a la Rana.”