This famous Shaker ?quick dance? has many names includingTis a Gift to be Simple, Simple Gifts, and Lord of the Dance.Aaron Copland included the melody in his ballet, Appalachian Spring(1944). Arrangements of Simple Gifts has been sung at three US PresidentialInaugurations (1985, 1993 and 2009).



The Multi-level pieces were initially arranged in an AVersion. When that was completed, it was then simplified to form the BVersion. The B Version has thinner linesand allows more time for placing the fingers. The purpose is to permit harpistsof various playing levels to enjoy performing together.

In the key of D, the melody is divided evenly between parts. There are nopedal or lever changes. Dynamics are clearly marked. Shaker songs were quite sungoften in rounds.

You will receive the Score, Harp I, andHarp II.

The motivation behind the ?layered solos ensemble effect? came from very successful learning and performing with the BegEnz harp books series.The idea is that the student harpist firstly learns a solo at level one. Then there are two versions of the solo, increasing in difficulty, and some parts which are accompaniment or harmonisation when they are played together. Harp one fits onto a fully levered 26 string harp (lowest string is C below middle C) and harps 2 and 3 fit onto 34 string harps.The first solo is always just a clear tune and single note accompaniment arrangement, so by the time they have successfully learnt this, and probably played it in the group, they know exactly how the piece sounds, and the structure of the arrangement. As they improve they can play a more challenging version, and/or stick to the easier part if playing in a group feels trickier. It?s all about having the confidence to take the next step up!The best thing about layered arrangements is that there is a good chunk of each version that can be used as a solo so you are practicing something that you can play without needing other harps to fill out the parts, but when you bring it all together you are still practicing very important ensemble skills ? listening to others, staying in time, being in tune, and being adaptive as a musician in a group.

Early Intermediate
Duet for lever harps
Can be played on pedal harp
Includes SCORE and 2 PARTS.