Pumpkin Jack

This quick and easy swing tune is just the ticket for singing about that scary season without ever actually mentioning Halloween (in case that's a problem for you at your school). On the other hand, it offers a little bit of spooky fun through the use of seasonal sound effects, which your students get to create themselves. The idea of a jack-o-lantern with two faces is a unique premise and may even inspire the creation of a Pumpkin Jack in the classroom to go along with the song.

Pick soloists for each of the solo sound effects in any combination you like. For example, use one person for the wolf howl each time, or use a different person for the three times it occurs. Since each effect happens on beat four of the measure it's in, you could use it as a study or reinforcement of rhythm and the placement of beats.

This song is also a good example of swing. On the P/A recording, you will hear a big band accompaniment which sets the style beautifully. And since the entire song is in unison (except for the sound effects), you should have no trouble getting your singers to perform enthusiastically.

By the way, if you find that your kids are inspired to move around while they are listening or singing, let them!