This arrangement asks players to hum an a and then a g#. Ask students to use any octave they prefer. The staggered entrances in the introduction and the coda attempt to create a spatially shifting drone. It may be useful to practice the hummed notes alone. There are a few notes that may be new for level 3 players. The first time they appear, these notes are written with explicit placement indicators. Upon reappearing, the notes include a reminder about where they are on the fretboard. Teach these notes by rote if necessary.
As always, tone, dynamics and playing together are the most important aspects of this music.
Historical notes
The melody for this tune is commonly attributed to John Sigismund Zápolya (commonly referred to as Sigismund). Sigismund was the king of Hungary in the mid 16th century. He became the first ruler of the Principality of Transylvania. He issued the Edict of Torda, which was the first decree for religious freedom in modern European history. While religious groups were not always guaranteed legal rights, Sigismund encouraged open dialogues between Christians, Jews and Muslims.