Optional: play a melodic ostinato to accompany the song.
Materials
Four cutouts of Halloween items (for example, pumpkins, bats, ghosts, or spiders) to label with Do, Re, and Mi. Leave one cutout blank.
Rhythm poster: Quarter note, Eighth note, Eighth note, Eighth note, Eighth note. (Ta Ti Ti Ti Ti)
Claves, rhythm sticks and woodblocks
Optional: Orff instruments, such as Bass Xylophone (BX)
Instructions
Echo-sing the Oooooooo phrase of "Skin and Bones." Add a motion to represent this phrase (swaying, slow circle, etc.).
Sing the song to the group in a call and response style. Continue with every verse. On the final BOO, jump with arms outstretched.
Call (solo): There was an old woman all skin and bones.
Response (group): Oooooooo with motion.
Sing the entire song together.
Oooooooo Melody mystery: Display four melodic icons, such as bats, pumpkins or ghosts, labeled Mi, Re and Do. Then, try singing the Oooooooo phrase with solfege: Mi, Re, Do, ? but leave out the last note. Challenge them to figure out this new low note (low La). Label the remaining icon with this pitch.
Rhythmic Ostinato: Display the Rhythm Pattern poster: Ta Ti Ti Ti Ti. Echo-clap this rhythm.
Play the ostinato throughout the entire song by clapping hands lightly.
When ostinato can be played accurately, distribute rhythm sticks, claves and woodblocks. Practice playing lightly.
Divide into two groups. One group will sing while the other group plays the ostinato. Repeat song and switch parts.
Optional: add a melodic ostinato on a bass xylophone. (BX) Note: do not play on the phrase She opened the door and BOO!
Echo-pat the rhythm two phrases at a time: Tai, Tai. Tai, Tai. / Ta Ti Ta Ti. Tai, rest. (Dotted quarter note, dotted quarter note. Dotted quarter note, dotted quarter note. / Quarter note, Eighth note, Quarter note, Eighth note. Dotted quarter note, dotted quarter rest.)
Practice patting the lap with alternate hands: Left, right. Crossover left, back to right. Left, right, crossover left, back to right. Left, rest.
Transfer to Orff instruments: E, B. (High)E, B. E, B, (high)E, B. E, rest.
Play the melodic ostinato while the rest of the group sings.
Perform for a Halloween concert with voice, rhythmic ostinato and melodic ostinato. Call and response could also be applied by dividing the group in half, or featuring a soloist to call out the phrases.
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