I'll Fly Away

Alfred Brumley, arr. John Kavanagh

Download free scores (PDFs):
Melody, chords and lyrics
Higher-position chords (C6 tuning)
Higher-position chords (D6 tuning)
Vocal/instrumental Harmony parts

This popular country-gospel song by Alfred Brumley has been used as a sing-along finale at a lot of the bluegrass and country music shows I’ve been to. It's the part where everybody gets up on stage and wails away and the audience joins in and you wish it would never end. My community uke group has done it a couple of times in public, and it always goes well. Many people know at least the chorus, and it’s easy to learn so you can count on a lot of people joining in.

Start with the simple lead-sheet version (click on the sheet music above). In the Pedagogy Corner column I discuss how to arrange the tune for uke group and suggest some up-the-neck alternate positions for the chords. Often people will harmonise this tune by ear - it’s a natural - but if your group has trouble with this, I’ve also provided a simple three-part harmonisation.

A professional multi-instrumentalist based in Kentville, Nova Scotia, John Kavanagh is a regular contributor to Ukulele Yes!He has a great CD called Parlour Music: Ragtime & Classical duets for uke and guitar. Find out more at http://ezfolk.com/audio/John_Kavanagh.

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Dec 2, 2019

Nov 4, 2019

This month, Cheryl Reid gives us the beat on rhythm in our classrooms

Rhythm is one of the most important elements of music and Cheryl has some great tips for incorporating it into each and every lesson.

Nov 4, 2019

Oct 2, 2019

This month, Christina shares her Ukulele in the Classroom experience… in the classroom!

The JHUI teacher training program is empowering teachers across the globe to raise the level of teaching in their schools, studios and communities.

Oct 2, 2019

Sep 2, 2019

This month, we’re headed back into the school year with some ideas to re-engage your students

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Sep 2, 2019

Aug 1, 2019

This month, John explains the impact of the JHUI program on his teaching and some strategies that he brings to his classes.

The JHUI teacher training program is empowering teachers across the globe to raise the level of teaching in their studios and communities.

Aug 1, 2019

Jul 2, 2019

This month, Angela Dwyer talks about what we can learn from other teachers.

We can learn a great deal from other teachers. Angela shares some hands-on ideas she’s picked up from her teacher, J. Chalmers Doane, Canada’s godfather of ukulele education.

Jul 2, 2019

Jun 2, 2019

This month, Cynthia Kinnunen shares some thoughts on using Ukulele in the Classroom with her adult students.

Ukulele in the Classroom is a robust and engaging methodology but can it work with adults, too?

Jun 2, 2019

May 2, 2019

This month, some ukulele games that will have your students thinking about notes!

Students love games and it’s a fun way to get a technique across while keeping the class light and lively.

May 2, 2019

Apr 2, 2019

JHUI LEVEL 3 CERTIFIED TEACHER KEVIN CARROLL SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE WITH ARRANGING FOR UKULELE ENSEMBLE

As a proud member of the JHUI Level 3 class of ’15, I still remember the moment when I was just about finished with the program. One of the final steps of completing the program involves making your own differentiated Big Band Arrangement.

Apr 2, 2019

Mar 2, 2019

This month we look at some fun ideas for incorporating ear training into your classes.

Making music involves a number of different skills, which is why we employ a variety of teaching strategies to help our students learn. A big part of it should definitely be using our ears!

Mar 2, 2019