October 2024 – Music Moments
October has arrived accompanied by pumpkins transforming into jack-o-lanterns, spider webs, costumes, all of the Pinterest-perfect spooky decor images that none of us can actually live up to (oh, just me?!), and way too much candy!
October Music Activities
In Little Kiddos Music classes, we steer pretty clear of the elements that make music scary focusing instead on lighthearted jack-o-lanterns and all sorts of other fun Halloween songs. For example, our Halloween version of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes – Horns and Fangs, Knees and Claws – can be an animal (or a cute little monster – like in Where The Wild Things Are [affiliate link] – emphasis on the cute and little, of course! I’m a Little Pumpkin/I’m a Jack-o-Lantern is a whole voyage through a pumpkin’s October existence!
Be sure to read How I teach the language of music. We have several fun, different versions of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes that we do throughout the year. The song is developmentally appropriate – practicing gross motor skills, reinforcing the names of the body parts and encouraging imaginative play. But, better yet, we use it as the perfect activity to help kiddos fully experience what different tempos feel like. This locks the concept in their brains in the most magical, fun way!
And now, for more ideas for October!
FOR EARS OF ALL AGES:
In The Hall of the Mountain King by Edvard Grieg is an absolute must-listen for the month of October. I love how the bassoon and oboe both get a rare moment to shine answered by the pizzicato strings. Written in the key of B minor, the whole piece is one long crescendo and accelerando of spooky, whimsical fun. We LOVE moving scarves to this one as the tempo moves toward the dramatic crymbal-crashing, timpani-thumping finale!
Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is the famous, frenzied Baroque piece for pipe organ that didn’t gain recognition until it was dusted off by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840. Of course, many recognize it now thanks to Disney’s orchestral Fantasia soundtrack.
It doesn’t get more dramatic than the opening few measures of O Fortuna from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Oh the drama! The sticcato, the never-ending pulse of the strings…it’s a banger, for sure!
October 15th, marks the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, and, while the holiday, The Day of The Dead (Día de los Muertos isn’t celebrated until November 1st, listening to Mariachi music is a must! La Noche de los Mayas – Silvestre Revueltas – could be very fitting this month, as well. Plus, watching the video of an orchestra perform it is an extra educational opportunity.
And, of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t throw in a couple of more expected Halloween-listening suggestions. First of all, this ‘lil cutie of a song is old (my favorite kind of music) and adorable and invokes sympathy for The Wobblin Goblin by Rosemary Clooney.
Lastly, my children grew up listening to and loving Halloween Howls by Andrew Gold which includes such favorites as Monster Mash, Spooky Scary Skeletons, and The Addams Family. Still, to this day, they request these songs in October…and they are ancient (well, 21, 18, & 13, so ancient in terms of children).
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:
Kids Craft Room has a fun art/stem combo activity for you! Cup Flying Ghosts -Part decoration/craft- part science experiement is sure to be a hit!
Be sure to visit Fall Crafts For Kids – Art and Craft Ideas. They have TONS of ideas and the cutest name, “Easy Peasy and Fun” – uh, yes, please!
For more STEM-based activities check out: 50 Amazing Fall STEM Activities – Little Bins for Little Hands.
Happy Toddler Playtime has great info and projects for Dia de los Muertos.
You will find the absolute cutest hand-drawn pumpkin and Halloween coloring pages at Friends Art Lab.
