The hambone, or Juba dance, is a body percussion tradition created by enslaved Africans in North America. When drums were forbidden, they created rhythms using tambourines, bones, hand claps, and body and thigh slaps, often called “Pattin' Juba.” 

In this ensemble, everyone takes turns playing the "hambone" rhythm with hand claps and leg pats, shown in the first two measures. Moving from the body percussion to the piano can be challenging, so practice the hambone until it feels natural.

• Watch the video "Performing the Hambone Rhythm" to learn the pattern. 

Many different lyrics have been used for the hambone, but this is one of the most familiar. 

Hambone, hambone where you been?
Round the world and back again.
Hambone, hambone have you heard?
Papa's gonna buy me a mockingbird.
If that mockingbird don't sing
Papa's gonna buy me a diamond ring.
If that diamond ring don't shine
Papa's gonna take it to the five and dime.

The arrangement uses a pentatonic/Mixolydian tonality. It is an excellent choice for Kwaanza celebrations. It can also be performed on Orff instruments.

If performed as a trio (three players at one piano), Piano 1 may be played one octave higher.

Score and parts available with subscription.
(Or contact info@enovativepiano.com to purchase individual copies.)