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5 Halloween Songs
Pumpkins are ripe and ready to be turned into Jack-o'-lanterns. Costumes are being prepared for Halloween trick or treating excursions.
Music activities that reflect these October activities are filled with opportunities for expressive singing and dramatizations, discussion about costumes, and some fun singing games that spark the imagination of young singers.
I have four favourite songs that I regularly use in my music classroom at this time of year. This five-song collection also includes a brand new "hot off the press" Jack-o'-lantern song.
See a sample of the music and the instructions for the singing games/activities I have used over the years. Where possible, I've also included some adaptations to reflect the restrictions on singing and movement that some music teachers are experiencing in their teaching environments.
Download includes the pdf of music and activities (21 page doc) as well as 5 MP3 backing tracks.
Have Fun!
Jack-o'-lantern
Jack-o’-Lantern is a lovely melodic song, written in a minor key describing the activity of carving a pumpkin into a Jack-o’-lantern. The Halloween mood is set as the students navigate the minor tonality of this simple song. "Jack-o'-lantern" is ideal for students in grade 2-4 who are learning to use good breath energy to sustain a phrase.
Pumpkin, Pumpkin
Pumpkin, Pumpkin is a Halloween song that allows young children to use their imaginations and a sense of fun as they use "music magic" to become Jack-o'-lanterns. Use this opportunity to explore creative facial expression and also to listen carefully to instructions. Donna Rhodenizer uses this song with her preprimary and younger elementary students sitting in stationary spots, so this activity works in restricted music class settings. Chanting or whispering can also be substituted for singing, if singing is a restricted activity.
Five Little Pumpkins
Five Little Pumpkins is a great song for encouraging expressiveness - whether singing, chanting or just doing the dramatization. Donna found some real pumpkins at a local farm to share this song.
Ghost of John
Ghost of John has been around since I was in elementary school many years ago! I have suggestions for lots of great ostinato and soundscape options to challenge upper elementary students in music class. Even with social distancing and other restrictions, there are lots of things that can be done with this classic song. Chant the song if singing is not an option. Whispering it can be very dramatic. By the way, rumour has it that the song is really about a skeleton, NOT a ghost. Listen to the words and see what you think!
Bonus Song - Free until Oct 31/23
Dark, Night Sky (Ghost of John)
The familiar and well-loved minor melody of Ghost of John has been given “extended shelf life” with the addition of lyrics that focus on the moon, the night sky and hooting owls. Teachers can introduce “Dark, Night Sky” at any time of the year and not be pressured to complete activities before Halloween. Teachers who introduce the original lyrics of Ghost of John can expand and extend the activities beyond October by continuing with the lyrics of Dark, Night Sky. The newly composed words also remove the issue of seasonal lyrics that may not be acceptable to use for some students.
Singing this well-known melody in canon creates rich harmonies within the minor modality. Adding multi-layered melodic and rhythmic ostinati results in an amazing “soundscape” that adds depth and musical interest to this simple melody. Dark, Night Sky is a music activity that students will enjoy at any time of the year.
The Goblin in the Dark
The Goblin in the Dark is a song about costumes and it can be used as a Halloween singing game or adapted to use at any time of the year. Young children can use their imaginations and a sense of fun as they pretend to get dressed up and go to a costume party. Chanting or whispering can also be substituted for singing if singing is a restricted activity. Great for lower elementary students.
See a sample of the music and the instructions for the singing games / activities I have used over the years. Where possible, I've also included some adaptations to reflect the restrictions on singing and movement that some music teachers are experiencing in their teaching environments.
Download includes the pdf of music and activities (21 page doc) as well as 5 MP3 backing tracks.
Have Fun!
Composer, Elementary Music Specialist, Performer
Donna Rhodenizer
Donna Rhodenizer has taught elementary music for over 35 years. Her students love to take part in music class activities that are creative and instill a love of singing and an overall appreciation for music.
Halloween songs are a special time when howling, pretending to be pumpkins and singing delicious minor melodies make music class as enticing as the smell of a freshly baked pumpkin pie! Although she has only made one pie in her entire lifetime, as a composer, Donna has over 400 published solo voice, choral, handbell, recorder, violin and piano compositions. She is in demand as a presenter of her resources for music education and her choral works.
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