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 Abolitionist Hymn We ask not that the slave should lie, As lies his master, at his ease, Beneath a silken canopy, Or in the shade of blooming trees. We ask not "eye for eye," that all Who forge the chain and ply the whip Should feel their torture, while the thrall Should wield the scourge of mastership. We mourn not that the man should toil. 'Tis nature's need. 'Tis God's decree. But let the hand that tills the soil Be, like the wind that fans it, free. Tune, "Old Hundred." XX
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!