Need a Play-Along for the Lunar New Year?
If you’re looking for an engaging way to celebrate Lunar New Year while reinforcing steady beat, rhythm reading, and instrument technique, I have three ready-to-use Gong Xi play-alongs for your elementary music classroom.
This song holds a special place in my heart. A former 老师 (Lǎoshī – Mandarin teacher) at our school taught it to our students years ago, and they loved it so much that it has become part of our annual tradition. These play-alongs grew out of that shared experience.
🎶 Gong Xi Boomwhackers & Xylophone Play-Along (Slow & Fast)
🔗 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW05796vpec
This play-along runs twice:
First time: Slow tempo for practice
Second time: Full recorded tempo
I created the notation using Flat.io so students could visually track the patterns as they play. The slower first run allows for:
Mallet control practice
Boomwhacker accuracy
Reinforcement of repeated pitch patterns
Confident transitions into the faster tempo
The video concludes with a “Happy Chinese New Year” slide as a nod to the cultural connection our students were studying at the time.
Classroom Tip:
Have students air-play the patterns before touching instruments. Then rotate instruments between repetitions to maximize engagement.
🎵 Gong Xi Adapted Play-Along (Hybrid-Friendly)
🔗 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLaVyM4k2qs
This version was designed during hybrid teaching. Students:
In class used barred instruments
At home used the virtual xylophone app at playxylo.com
The manipulative is intentionally simple for younger players. We:
Performed each rhythm pattern separately
Identified them as four-beat patterns
Practiced before combining
At this stage, I had not formally introduced meter — we focused strictly on pattern recognition and rhythmic security.
Why it works:
Short, clear rhythm groupings reduce cognitive overload and build confidence for primary musicians.
🎵Don't Forget the Steady Beat Play-Along
🔗Watch here: https://youtu.be/xQVeoNRZyIY
This steady-beat version is perfect for your youngest musicians. Students:
Clap hands
Tap feet
Tap knees
March in place
It’s a simple but effective way to reinforce:
Steady beat internalization
Gross motor coordination
Listening skills
Cultural connection through song
This version works beautifully as:
A warm-up
A movement break
A preview before instrument work
A preschool concert extension
🎁 Grab the Manipulatives
All manipulatives for the three play-alongs — including rhythm slides and instrument visuals — are available here:
🔗 https://buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/extras
These are designed to be:
Print-friendly
Screen-friendly
Easy to project
Ready for substitute plans
If you use one of these play-alongs in your classroom, I’d love to hear how it goes. Whether you’re reinforcing steady beat in preschool or layering instrumental parts in upper elementary, Gong Xi has become one of those joyful songs that brings students together year after year.