music to tidy up by

[crisgal]

a fellow teacher has suggested that we play the same piece of music every day to our pre-schoolers during tidy up time. It should be jolly but not too fast and definately instrumental. I'm stuck for ideas - has anyone any suggestions? thank you

[ermintrude35]

...how about "Delta (little boy blues) by Badly Drawn Boy, it's from the soundtrack of the film About A Boy ...it's kind of bouncy upbeat with little flutey bits here and there , it would be ideal for tiding up, it is also instrumental, it lasts for 4 mins exactly...

[ermintrude35]

..me again...I'm trawling through my record collection and came accross an oldie but a goodie..."Egyptian Reggae" by Jonothan Rich it's kinda like the old egyptian sand dance it's only 2.30 mins long though...

[mcmikeymike]

You will want something that they will associate with "tidy up time", so don't use an instrumental where they may know words to a song, or actions as that may distract from the chore.  Also, not too lively, so they remain calm while they work.  Make it part of the routine using the same track daily for familiarity.

 

One that comes to mind is a jazzy track "Morning Dance" by Spyro Gyra.  Or George Benson's instrumental "Breezin" (the tune Donny Osmond used for his hit "Breeze On By" a couple of months ago.

[Golem]

For 'jolly' try a piece called "peculiar terms of intimacy" (don't be put off by the title!) from a CD called 'music for the third policeman' by Django Bates and the Powder Room Collapse Orchestra. Okay, I know it sounds a bit obscure, but it's the one and only instrumental piece I've ever heard that made me laugh out loud the first time I heard it. I think the kids would enjoy it.

While you're in the store, look for anything by a New York duo called "They Might Be Giants". Specifically a CD called 'NO!' Some excellent songs for children, but nothing instrumental you could use for tidying-up! They have a website - google and check it out.

Try also anything by The Penguin Cafe Orchestra - lively but more subtle instrumentals. And I'm listening to the opening of Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells' at the moment. Not jolly, but may have a certain calming effect, and certainly allows for numerous listenings without becoming boring.

[Ouisch]

"Popcorn" by Hot Butter might work...it may be a little faster than you want, but the quirky "popping" noise might be fun for kids, and become instantly recognizable as their clean-up song.

[Glossopswift]

Whenever I'm doing something like that I always have 'The sorcerer's apprentice' by Dukas going through my head, not by choice - it just does. I think the jaunty rhythm gets you in a routine. If the kids have seen 'Fantasia' by Disney then they can pretend to be the brooms, but rather than carrying buckets of water they can be carrying toys (you can be Mickey Mouse!) Also, it will be quite easy for the parents to get the same music for home.

[Merlin]

Try a little 'culture' with it:

Delibes' Mazurka from 'Copellia'. At least give it a listen.

[crisgal]

thanks everyone - I really appreciate all your comments and suggestions -  keep 'em coming!