Countdown to 2026: 10 short activities that you can use immediately - #3 Auld Lang Syne Rhythm Play-Along
#3 Auld Lang Syne Rhythm Play-Along
If you’re heading back into the music room after a long break, you know the feeling: students are happy to be back together, routines are a little fuzzy, and everyone needs a gentle on-ramp back into music-making. That’s where #3 in the Countdown to 2026 comes in—an Auld Lang Syne Rhythm Play-Along that’s low-stress, high-engagement, and easy to drop into your very first lesson back.
This activity is designed to help students reconnect with listening, steady rhythm, and ensemble skills right away—without needing a long explanation or extensive setup. I often start class by reviewing the free downloadable rhythm manipulatives before pressing play. It’s a quick retrieval-practice moment that gets students thinking musically again and sets a calm, focused tone for the rest of the lesson.
Why this play-along works so well after a break
The Auld Lang Syne Rhythm Play-Along is intentionally flexible. You can use it at the start of a new calendar year, school year, quarter, or simply as a “welcome back” activity. The video supports students ages 5–9, using classroom percussion instruments to build confidence and a sense of togetherness from the start.
Because everyone plays at the same time, it creates an instant ensemble experience—perfect for rebuilding community after a period of time away from school.
About the music
The recording is a mashup featuring Yo-Yo Ma alongside a rock-style melody from the Learning Guitar series. That blend gives the familiar tune a fresh energy while still feeling accessible to young learners.
To create the visuals and materials, I used Katie Argyle’s Midnight Music Big Free Music Notation Library and Canva for Education, making it easy to keep everything clear, colorful, and classroom-ready.
Teaching notes & tips
The downloadable manipulatives support rhythm pattern recognition and can be used before, during, or after the video.
Fun facts about both recordings are included, which makes for a great cross-curricular or listening discussion.
If the tempo feels a bit fast, YouTube’s Playback Speed settings work beautifully to slow things down.
I intentionally left out the note B, since it appears only once. The focus stays on C, D, E, G, and A, which keeps the activity approachable even if the melody varies slightly from the recording.
This works best for Grade 2 and up. For younger students, the Rhythm Play-Along or the PK/K Steady Beat Play-Along with Auld Lang Syne are better fits.
This rhythm play-along is one of those “press play and breathe” moments that helps both teachers and students ease back into music class feeling successful.
We’re moving through the Countdown to 2026!
Be sure to check back tomorrow as the Countdown to 2026 continues with #2—another quick win you can use right away.