From earliest times, echo and repetition has been used in the compositional style of all historical classical music. It is also a very accessible “tool” with which to train the ear of singers (young AND old!) It can be “antiphonal” in the most formal sense (as when long ago Brad and I conducted high school voiced in each balcony of the St Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, singing and answering back and forth across that lovely expance) but it can also be playful, making a game out of call and response – perfect for little ones.
And echo songs are very versatile. You can divide the family into two groups, let all echo a leader, give a solo echo singer a turn, or feature two soloists. Be sure to try all the possibilities with your family, giving each one the chance to lead and answer from time to time. Even the youngest will enjoy the challenge of a solo or leader spot.
There are so many children’s echo songs from church and folk repertoire. I’ve attempted to give a short list of titles here to get you started, and would recommend starting with this genre as you continue singing songs in unison. Many Echo Songs can be found on you tube, some with accompaniments your family could enjoy. But be sure to give your kids the a cappella version as well! Unison and echo songs both work well with simple accompaniment, and if you happen to have someone who plays piano, guitar, ukulele or autoharp, these very simple musical moments add interest and fun – so use them! You can learn the song from the recordings below, and then try it with just your family.
Sing after Me (with Ernie and Elmo)
Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord
But – Brad will never forget using our favorite echo song, “Little Sir Echo” with our own kids. We started this at about age 2 with each child, but earlier or later is fine, too! I’ve provided an audio as well a PDF of the music, for those who want to see the music. (That’s not for your kids – just for you!) The intervals in this little piece are quite challenging, and in many cases when older kids in the family are able to move on to singing parts, this one can continue to be used with your younger child. When our son TJ was about 2, Brad taught him this song – and both of them looked forward to it in family singing times. Once familiar with the song, Brad would send TJ around the corner, just out of sight, and they would sing “Little Sir Echo” back and forth as a special challenge. I think our older daughters enjoyed watching the game as much as Brad did, and they cheered on TJ’s efforts. Soon the girls (age 6 & 9) wanted to be the leader themselves!
Little Sir Echo
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