Tell Us, Mr. Groundhog

What could possibly make Groundhog Day more fun than adding ukuleles? Well, that's what we thought, too! Here is a primary song for your youngsters that also allows them to play their ukes, if you wish. The ukulele band has the option of playing every quarter note beat (for your advanced students), every half note (optimum), or they can simply play the downbeat of each measure. You could even get creative and mix it up. Play downbeats when a chord change presents more of a challenge but quarter notes once they're in the correct finger positions.

This song may be a first introduction to Groundhog Day to some of your students. It's important to keep the oral tradition of the legend correct. The most popular celebration occurs in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and Punxsutawney Phil has seemingly become the spokesgroundhog for groundhogs throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania where it originated. So now, every February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow. If the sun is shining and he sees his shadow, he scurries back into his burrow, afraid of his own shadow. For some reason, the pioneers of this event decided that this would signal an extended winter – six weeks to be exact. Conversely, if February 2nd is a cloudy day in Punxsutawney, Phil will not see his shadow when he emerges. And this, of course by all logic, ushers in an early spring, sometime before the vernal equinox.

The vocal approach to this song is about as easy as it can get. There are no changing dynamics. Just sing with spirit. It is scale oriented, no large intervals to worry about. If you do decide to add the ukuleles, encourage students to play them and sing at the same time. It's great practice! You will find a downloadable ukulele part on our web site.