Down The Hill

This song is just plain fun. And goofy. And even a little educational. Sung to the tune "Camptown Races," "Down The Hill" enumerates but a few of the ways a kid can slide down a snow-covered hill – by sled, by tube, by snowboard, and even by garbage bag. (Be extra careful to guard your tailbone with that last option.)

We've replaced the nonsensical phrases "Doo-dah" and "Doo-dah day" with "Booyah" and "bouillabaisse." Booyah is a slang word used to express joy or victory, and bouillabaisse is a French fisherman's stew.

The song has a folksy boom-chick feel to it, until the section at bar 17 where it becomes sort of marchy-andsea- faring, because that's where the dialog section begins and we learn about bouillabaisse. There's also an optional spoken line in verse 2, bar 11 ("You just took the checkered flag!").

Since the style is folksy (pickin' and a-grinnin'), we've opted to use instruments that emphasize the Appalachian style – guitar, banjo, mandolin, washboard, spoons, and jaw harp.

There are all manner of props which could be used in a live performance of this song, from sleds and snow tubes to kettles and spoons for the bouillabaisse. And of course your students should look the part for going down the hill, which means, gloves, scarves, coats, or any winter gear you deem appropriate.