Broadway Partners!: Teacher's Handbook & Online PDF/Audio

This collection tackles the genuine teaching challenge of building independent part-singing without sacrificing fun, which matters because partner songs naturally split focus between parts in a way that forces singers to listen and hold their own line. The selection spans recognizable Broadway titles that students actually know and want to sing, eliminating the motivation gap you often face with unfamiliar material. Staging suggestions built into the book transform what could be simple unison singing into a theatrical event, which keeps young singers engaged while they're learning ensemble skills.

Opening this collection feels like discovering that Broadway doesn't have to wait for high school. Students recognize these melodies from movies, family outings, and cultural moments, which creates immediate buy-in. The partner arrangement creates a playful push-and-pull between singers that feels conversational rather than combative, making harmony feel like a natural extension of how these songs already work.

This handbook serves elementary and middle school music teachers working with singers in grades 2 through 7 who are ready to move beyond unison singing but may be anxious about harmony. It's equally valuable for general music classes, select choirs, and community youth programs seeking high-engagement material with built-in theatrical appeal.

• Start rehearsals by having both parts sing the melody together so singers internalize the phrase shape before splitting into parts. This foundation prevents the weaker part from disappearing or rushing.
• Use the recorded accompaniments strategically: assign one part to sing with the recording while the other part sings a cappella, then swap. This isolates each line and builds confidence before combining them.
• Layer the staging suggestions gradually. Teach the music first, then add simple movement cues once singers are secure with their parts. Avoid asking singers to manage both new notes and new blocking simultaneously.
• Rehearse phrase endpoints with particular attention. Partners often drift apart at the ends of phrases, so spend time locking in the final note of each section before moving forward.

Program these across the school year as your singers develop part-singing confidence, using one or two songs per concert to build momentum without overwhelming rehearsal time. The theatrical staging suggestions make these ideal for assembly performances, spring concerts, or integrated units with drama or dance classes. Consider pairing one partner song with larger ensemble work to demonstrate part independence in a lower-pressure context before tackling more complex repertoire.

• Independent part-singing in two voices
• Maintaining a melodic line while hearing a different part
• Phrase phrasing and musical pacing in ensemble contexts
• Sight-reading Broadway vocal arrangements
• Connecting choreography and staging to vocal performance
• Recognition of Broadway musical styles and compositional patterns