Phil

Here's a cute little story song that's just perfect for Groundhog Day. While it's labeled "2-Beat March," it could also be thought of as a show tune or even a galop, thanks to the lively orchestration on the recording. The melody and lyrics are extremely simple so that even young singers will catch on quickly. But the real fun is, of course, in the drama.

Phil is our star. He is a groundhog. (Hmm. Know any other groundhogs named Phil?) The brief story line allows Phil to be spotted and chased, through dialog alone or action. If you prefer, just use the dialog and let imagination fill in for any possible action. These are all indicated on the music as spoken solos. We have labeled several spots for several kids to speak, but you could get away with fewer kids sharing the lines. The only given is Phil. As you will hear on our recording, our actors were quite young. Be sure you let your actors listen for inspiration. Phil has "lines" that are not so much "words," as noises. Let your Phil try a variety of different "voices," delivery, and style in preparation.

If you want to actually turn this into a mini skit, let some of your kids "chase" Phil around, plugging in the script as they go. They could even ad lib a few shouts and such. For example, "Come back here!" But don't let them get too carried away and step on the song entirely. Phil can also ad lib responses, chortling, grunting, panting, and generally making silly, cute, amusing sounds. (Note: It would be wise to predetermine and rehearse the course of the chase, lest anything go awry.) The chase should culminate at Phil's "hole" at the end of the song where he is commanded to return. The hole can be a prop of some type that is onstage, like a tent or dark sheet covering a couple of chairs he can duck behind. Or its presence could just be implied. The last speaker could point offstage where Phil would then amble disappointedly.

A costume for Phil would be a neat addition if you are using this piece in performance. A simple, all-brown sweat suit, and a fake animal nose, tail, and ears (paper, cardboard, fabric) would do the trick inexpensively.

Be sure you talk to your students about why Phil is being chased and why he has to close his eyes or get back into his hole. Why don't they want him to see his shadow? Is the story true?