Students acting like sloths this summer? Luckily, we have just the thing: Havana by Camila Cabello, a Latin-inspired pop hit that fits nicely with students working their way through major and minor pentascales. It’s fully in the key of D minor, and grooves through a basic i – V7 progression. The harmonies are nothing extraordinary, so what gives the piece that characteristic Latin sound? Listen for the frequent visits to the upper neighbor B-flat in the melody. Then sink in to the ostinato of the teacher duet, recalling salsa music’s syncopated clave rhythm. Feeling adventurous? The repeated rhythmic and harmonic structure set the stage for an improvisatory jam session—a musical trip that’s sure to add spice to your summer!
Find Havana in ShowTime Piano Hits for Level 2A. For more catchy songs to engage your students through summer and beyond, browse the full range of Hits books.
2 replies on “Catch the Salsa Spirit!”
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My students and I have had a great summer building repertoire with several of the Faber supplemental books especially the new Disney collections. “Mary Poppins” and “Coco” have “topped the charts”. Now I’ll be sure to get this new one, too.
My students are loving the Hits and Disney series!!!! Thank you,
Nancy and Randall!!!!!