This notation is pretty simple; dark circles mean covered holes; empty circles mean uncovered holes; a '+' below means to blow harder to get the upper octave; a '#' below means this note is too low for the whistle chosen and you'll have to fake it :) The author of this program always plays accidentals by closing holes, so you'll never see half-covered holes.
When I was starting, I found notation like this to be very helpful, and I know plenty of people who have trouble reading music who find this notation easier. Good luck!
(This score available as
ABC,
SongWright,
PostScript,
PNG, or
PMW, or
a MIDI file)
(Choose a whistle key:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Ab
Bb
Cb
Db
Eb
Fb
Gb
A#
B#
C#
D#
E#
F#
G#)
Dulcimer tab
for this song is also available
The Liberty Tree (Thomas Paine) In a chariot of light from the regions of day The Goddess of Liberty came; Ten thousand celestials directed the way And thither conducted the Dame. This fair budding branch, from the garden above, Where millions with millions agree, She bro't in her hand, as a pledge of her love The plant she call'd Liberty Tree. This celestial exotic struck deep in the ground Like a native it flourish'd and bore. The fame of its fruit drew the nations around To seek out its peaceable shore. Unmindful of names or distinction they came For freemen like brothers agree, With one spirit endow'd, they one friends pursued And their temple was Liberty Tree. Beneath this fair branch, like the patriarchs of old Their bread, in contentment, they eat. Unwearied with trouble, of silver and gold, Or the cares of the grand and the great. With timber and tar they old England supplied Supported her power on the sea; Her battles they fought, without having a groat For the honour of Liberty Tree. But hear, O ye swains ('tis a tale most profane) How all the tyrannical powers, King, Commons and Lords are uniting amain To cut down this guardian of ours. From the east to the west, blow the trumpet to arms Thro' the land let the sound of it flee; Let the far and the near, all unite with a cheer In defense of our Liberty Tree. From The American Patriotic Songbook, 1813. First published in 1775. tune: Once the Gods of the Greeks RG
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!