Turkey In The Straw

adapted by Teresa Jennings/arr. Paul Jennings

Such silliness! Everyone knows this simple song, but not everyone has "gobbled" to it! Set in a swing style, this version is just the seasonal ticket to a fun time for your young singers.

Note that the gobbles are divided into groups. You may want to physically divide them and then direct which group should be gobbling when.

You may also wish to add a bit of turkey-like moves to the introduction and interludes. Ask your students to discuss it (seriously!) and determine the most accurate moves they can make.

Be sure to point out the baritone saxophone solo as it occurs each time. Also have them pay special attention to the flexatone solo. If you have a real one in class, pull it out and use it. And don't forget to pick a solo gobbler for the end of the song.

(Did you know that "gobble" is the perfect word to teach swing rhythms? Amazing, but true!)

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.