Watch Out!

Ah, life is fraught with perils. But we can help our youngsters navigate the dangers with our constant harping and nag...er...continued encouragement and guidance. Here is a musical reminder to "watch out" for some of the more common pitfalls we all encounter.

This is a short, unison piece orchestrated with a rhythm section, woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion. It has a boom-chick, two beat-ish feel, but is actually in four. The intervals can be tricky, so admonish your kids to watch the space between the notes. It is short and catchy enough, however, that after a couple of "sing-alongs" with the demo, your kids can probably pick this up in one class period. Still, it would be good practice to have them watch those intervals as they sing.

In verse one, the warnings are notated and sung. Verse two is made up of spoken or shouted warnings of your choice. We offer some standards along with a suggested pacing, but here's a chance to have your group participate by coming up with their own ideas. "What do your mom or dad warn you against?" Be extra creative, then discuss why those activities and behaviors can be harmful. Who knows? This tongue in cheek treatment, in a safe classroom environment, might actually stick with the kids and serve as a deterrent in a perilous moment.