Scroll down to print "Flute Descant for Sia's Chandelier" PDF.
Some of my fondest memories from childhood involve checking out recordings of soundtracks (from movies like Singing in the Rain, West Side Story, or any Disney film I could get my hands on) from the local library. First chance I got, I would shut the door to my room and sing every song while dancing around and becoming the characters. If family members were home and within earshot, I would lip sync, if not, I would sing at the top of my lungs!
The more I teach, the more I realize that this spirit (the "sing-in-the-car-or-in-the-shower-at-the-top-of-my-lungs-because-it's-just-such-an-amazing-feeling" feeling) is what's absolutely missing from performances of Mozart Concertos, Flute Music by French Composers, and all the other gorgeous, expressive music we flute players are lucky enough to play, but scared to make any mistakes in when performing in front of other people. For musicians, I believe, there is nothing more important than this spirit. If you've lost it, it's time to get it back.
In the interest of doing my part to help solve this problem, I've written Double Tonguing Fun (to be played with Katy Perry's Roar) and The Heartbeat Warm-up (to be played with Kelly Clarkson's Heartbeat Song). I've enjoyed sharing them with students, but have found myself apologizing for the "cheesy" nature of the music and the play along idea itself.
Since I've been thinking a lot lately about "daring greatly" (in reference to one of my favorite author's best selling books) I have now decided that I absolutely WILL keep writing these flute parts to energizing, soul lifting pop songs.
I will continue doing this to dare greatly and also for one other, very important reason.
I absolutely love the "I-feel-like-a-flute-rockstar-because-I-can-imagine-that-I'm-on-stage-playing-this-music-with-the-artist-and-really-I-actually-feel-like-the-singer-myself" feeling...
... and I think you might, too.
Click this link for Flute Descant to Sia's Chandelier - enjoy!!
Happy Practicing!
Terri Sánchez
P.S. Here's the official Sia - Chandelier Youtube video link for your convenience! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vjPBrBU-TM
