Let's Get Singing Video Series
Let's Get Singing can help you grow a love of singing in your classroom.
In each video, a different presenter will take you and your class through a series of vocal and physical warm-ups before they teach you a song, step by step. Alongside the 15–20-minute video, there's a sing-along lyric video, a separate backing track, sheet music, and handy teachers’ notes.
Over the next few months, we'll update this page with the latest videos in the series. You'll have twelve to choose from when the series is complete!
On the Road of Life
by Chris Artley
Presented by Amelia Giles
This song by Chris Artley, with lyrics by Michelanne Forster, uses a combination of English and te reo Māori in the text and talks about caring for one another on our journey through life.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track
Xin Nian Hao (Happy New Year)
Traditional melody with Chinese lyrics by Du Hongdong
Presented by Annabel Yu
This is a well-known song among the Chinese community. The melody may be familiar from its use in Oh My Darling Clementine, an American folk ballad. The melody has been developed into a New Year Song with the addition of festive lyrics by Du Hongdong.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track
Pūrerehua
by Hirini Melbourne
Presented by Selena Bercic
This waiata begins with a chorus that describes the butterfly flying up high in the air. Each verse describes a specific stage of the butterfly’s life from the laying of the eggs, through the caterpillar and chrysalis phases and finally to the emergence of the butterfly. The repetitive structure and predictable melodic lines make it a very good song for singers of all ages.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track
E ue ue a ia
Niuean folk song
Presented by Esa-Jayne Peika
This Niuean song was taught to Esa-Jayne by her grandmother. “Ue” means “sway” and the song talks about the singers swaying and for the group to sway together.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track
Down by the Bay
Presented by Jo Hodgson
This traditional song is an echo song. The leader sings the words in bold and then everyone copies them by singing back the echo. The final line, a nonsense rhyme, is sung by the whole group together, in unison.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track
Tīhore mai
by Hirini Melbourne
Presented by Kriss Rapana
This waiata is built on the words of an old karakia for clearing the rain and restoring harmony with nature.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track
Raise Up Your Voices
by Suzzie Vango
Presented by Megan Flint
Raise Up Your Voices is a great rousing song to get singers energised. Suitable for all ages, it will make an excellent addition to both classroom and assembly singing.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track
Ngā Iwi E
by Hirini Melbourne
Presented by Te Ohorere Williams
Ngā Iwi E, a waiata by Hirini Melbourne, calls for unity among peoples of the Pacific and by extension, all people.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track
E lanu moana ma olaola
by Elisha Fa'i-So'oialo
Presented by Elisha Fa'i-So'oialo
This pese (song) celebrates the beauty of Samoa’s landscape and people.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track
I Bought Me a Cat
Presented by Ben Madden
This traditional song has links to the USA and the British Isles. It is a cumulative song in the same vein as Old MacDonald Had a Farm: with each repeat, it adds a new animal and its associated sound.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing tracks:
Alvin the Alligator
by Nick Thorkelson and Chris Thorkelson
Presented by Roshan Tuivavalagi
This song can be sung as a round, with up to four different parts at once.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke videos - backing tracks with lyrics for one part or two parts
▶ Download the backing tracks:
O Le Taualuga
Traditional Samoan folk song
Presented and arranged by Tuilagi Dr. Igelese Ete
This traditional pese (song) is all about a traditional dance called the taualuga. The song and dance are often performed at the end of Samoan functions and gatherings.
▶ Teacher notes, including ideas for further learning
▶ Sheet music
▶ Karaoke video - a backing track with lyrics
▶ Download the backing track with melody
or a second option with backing only