99.153Apply it to “Happy Birthday”

Imagine someone begins singing in E♭.

Do not play melody.

Accompany them.

First phrase:

E♭ tonic support.

Approach phrase ending conservatively.

Second phrase:

clear B♭7→E♭ cadence.

Third phrase:

singer reaches climax.

Thin accompaniment enough that their high point remains foreground.

Final phrase:

you may use:

A♭→A♭m→E♭

if singer pitch supports it.

If they hold final E♭:

delay final upper color and let voice own tonic first.