It Takes Two!: Teacher's Handbook (Includes Reproducible Student Pages & Staging)

Albrecht and Althouse have created a collection that actually makes the transition from unison to 2-part singing feel natural rather than forced. The eight songs balance seasonal repertoire with evergreen selections, giving you programming flexibility across the school year without the need to hunt through multiple sources.

These songs capture the energy and immediacy that younger singers respond to, with melodies that sit comfortably in their range and harmonies that support rather than overshadow the vocal lines. There's a genuine warmth to the arrangements, matched by staging that lets students move and inhabit the music rather than stand static.

Elementary and middle school choir directors working with grades 3 and up who need accessible, singable literature that builds part-singing confidence in younger choristers. This handbook is designed for teachers who want reproducible student materials and clear staging direction built into one resource.

• Before dividing into parts, have students learn the entire song in unison to establish secure melody and text awareness.
• Use the staging suggestions in the handbook as a springboard for student creativity; when young singers move while they sing, part independence strengthens naturally.
• Introduce the second part slowly by singing it with students at the piano while the melody group continues, then switch roles so both groups hear each part in context.

Build this collection into a fall-to-spring progression as you develop part-singing skills, programming one or two songs each semester. The reproducible student pages and staging framework make it ideal for classroom performances, parent concerts, and informal sing-throughs where the focus is on building musicianship rather than technical complexity.

• Reading and singing two independent vocal parts
• Sustaining a melodic line while listening to harmonic accompaniment
• Coordinating singing with staged movement
• Blending and balancing voice parts in simple harmonic contexts
• Performing from reproducible sheet music independently