A Cappella Arrangement First Attempt

A phone for recording the performance

Optional: printed lyrics for the melody singer

3 or more people (2 can work in a pinch)

Choose a simple, universally known song: "Happy Birthday," "Let It Be," "Stand By Me," or "Lean on Me."

Assign the melody to one singer — they carry the main tune that everyone recognizes. The strongest, most confident singer gets this part.

Assign a bass part to another person. They sing low, sustained root notes that anchor the harmony: "Buuuum... buuuum..." slow and steady.

Assign a beat keeper who provides rhythm using mouth sounds: a simple "dm-ts-dm-ts" pattern (light beatbox), finger snaps, or thigh pats.

Practice each part separately until every person is confident in their role.

Bring all parts together slowly. The beat starts first, the bass joins after 4 beats, then the melody enters. Building layers.

Record the final assembled performance. Play it back and marvel at what human voices alone can create.

The bass part is simpler than it seems: just sing the lowest note you can that sounds like it "fits" with the melody. If the melody is in C, sing a low C and hold it.

A cappella means "in the manner of the chapel" — singing without instruments. It's one of the oldest forms of music and it's making a huge comeback through groups like Pentatonix.

The beat keeper's job is the glue. If the rhythm wavers, everything falls apart. Steady, consistent, and confident beats hold the group together.

Watch Pentatonix or Straight No Chaser videos for jaw-dropping a cappella inspiration. Kids are amazed at what voices alone can do.

This activity builds ensemble skills that transfer to any group music setting: listening to others while maintaining your own part, adjusting volume, and blending.