7 Bright Stars

from Always a Minstrel by Little Minstrels

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

$1.20 NZD or more
Buy the Full Digital Album

about

This is a counting song, counting up to the 7 stars of Matariki.
I recorded this using a simple body percussion of pat, pat (on your thighs) clap, snap. Younger children could slap their shoulders (crossing arms over) for beat 4 if they are not able to snap.

To teach this pattern: pat pat (say win-ter) make sure you wait 2 beats before you repeat the 'winter'
Next pat pat clap (say win-ter-time) and wait for one beat silence
Finally the whole pattern can be learned saying Ma-ta-ri-ki.
Saying one syllable per beat is an effective way for the children to learn the pattern.

The children should be able to already be competent singing the song before the body percussion is learned.

Younger children can just sing with actions.

lyrics

1 bright star, (hold up 1 finger)
Sparkling high, (sparkle your 1 finger above your head)
Peeking through the clouds in the big black sky, (both hands in front of your face, peek around)
Winter’s coming closer, (shiver)
What can I see? (shrug shoulder, open out hands)
2 bright stars are shining on me! (Hold up 2 fingers, point to yourself)

…….7 bright stars it’s Matariki.

credits

from Always a Minstrel, released August 12, 2017
Tune: Traditional, Lyrics, Kristin Browne

license

about

Little Minstrels New Zealand

I love music - I love kids! Little Minstrels all began with a few classes at a preschool in 2005. Since then it has grown into my part-time job and full-time passion, developing my own teaching programme and writing and recording songs to suit. These songs have stood the test of time and have been loved by the preschoolers I teach. I hope your chidren enjoy them too! ... more

contact / help

Contact Little Minstrels

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Little Minstrels, you may also like:

Tolting
by Darto

This Seattle duo explore the more darkly psychedelic side of indie rock on this retrospective album, covering songs recorded from 2009-2019. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 20, 2022
go to album
Songs for the Young, Old and In Between
by Mr. Elephant

Hooky songs that will appeal to kids and grown-ups alike, smash-cutting the irreverence of The Moldy Peaches with wild psychedelia. Bandcamp New & Notable May 30, 2020
go to album
Season One
by The Vegetable Plot

This children’s record isn’t just for kids. Smoky soul grooves and bizarro pop chestnuts make for an entertaining listen. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 21, 2018
go to album
SHAGARA
by Hello World Choir

featured on Bandcamp Radio Jan 16, 2018
go to album
Está Bien
by Dois

featured on Bandcamp Radio Jun 13, 2017
go to album
Archive 2009-2015
by brrd

featured on Bandcamp Radio Nov 29, 2016
go to album
Towers / Anointing
by brrd

featured on Bandcamp Radio Oct 18, 2016
go to album