Background to the song
Whup Jamboree / Whip Jamboree / Whoop Jamboree is a traditional shanty. References to it claim it originates as a homeward-bound shanty, a capstan shanty, a shanty influenced by the minstrel songs of the 1850s. There certainly are many references to and recordings of the song. There are also lots of variations of the tune and of the words.
Here is the version we’re using – a lovely arrangement by Ezra Burke and Ros Savournin, as performed last year by Camjam Voices and the Camden Youth Choir and used as a massed song at a recent Barnet Choirs Festival.
How we will sing the song
There are vocal lines, with the tune and harmonies shared between them. Your school will soon know which part you’ll be singing at the festival.
Verse 1 is in unison
watch out for the clap just before the chorus
Chorus 1 is in unison to begin with and then the harmony lines are introduced at the end
Verse 2 is in unison
watch out for the chest / clap just before the chorus
Chorus 2 is sung by voice 1, with the other voices singing harmonies
Verse 3 is sung by voice 4, with the other voices singing harmonies. It starts very quietly and builds
watch out for the chest / thigh / clap just before the chorus
Chorus 3 is like chorus 2, with a repeat and an extended ending