Bat Dance

by Teresa Jennings

This song is purely for the fun of it! Bats are enjoying a current surge in popularity, thanks in part to recent media events, and this song will help to keep the interest level going. It also suggests a possible theme for Halloween for schools that celebrate that holiday, and could certainly be used that way. If, however, your school avoids the recognition of Halloween, this song could be used anyway, since it makes no reference to Halloween.

To get the most out of it, you may wish to add a bit of movement to the dance break. Ask your students to choreograph these few measures, or create a few moves yourself. A simple side step for three counts with a kick and a clap on beat 4 is a good, quick alternative. Reverse directions on alternating measures--left for the first bar, then right, etc. Be sure to point out the baritone saxophone solo! (Refer to Music K-8, Volume 2, No. 4, for information on the saxophone family for more help.)

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.