Sightless Rodent Chaser

Since so many people told us how they enjoyed last year's "I'm A Little Teapot" and its chaser, this was a natural. This isn't orchestral, though. It's a hard-driving big band... with a little twist in the form of a piccolo/tuba duet in the middle.

In case the kids ask, a "chaser" is a concept that goes back at least to the days of vaudeville when a skit or a song was often followed by a fast, funny arrangement that provided music for an equally funny walk or dance exit for the performers. That's how you can use this one. Sometimes the chaser is played several times for bows and exits.

As an extension, have students create listening maps for this piece, drawing pictures of the various textures used: drums, big band, trombones, piccolo/tuba duet, big ending. Have fun with it!