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A novelty song is a comical or nonsensical song, performed principally for its comical effect. We all enjoy a good laugh and a novelty song is always a great way to lighten the mood. They are fun for the singers and audiences alike and are a great addition to your repertoire. |
Humorous | Novelty | Novelty Christmas | Wordless | Solo Voice Comedy
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-5 of 5 items.
Displaying 1-50 of 127 items.
Here is a very funny novelty number with choral parts worth singing. With three movements poking fun at social media habits - Scrolling, Their, There, They're and Selfie - your students will love the humor and your audience will join in the fun.
Composer: Bryan Grosbach
Perhaps the most important composition of our time, Emerson's nuanced take... who are we kidding? A little bit of Jaws and a whole lot of smiles? Go on and have some fun with this one!
Arranger: Roger Emerson
Who doesn't like potato chips?! This fun, medium swing song is sure to be a hit with singers and audiences. The easy to sing melody, simple harmony, and cool snaps are perfect for any pop or general concert.
Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Julia Bunora
Here's a not-too-spooky novelty, perfect for Halloween! Its ease in learning, combined with its fun quirkiness, will make this a winner for your early fall concerts. Trick or treat!
Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Andrew Gold
Younger choirs can develop vocal jazz style with this cute tune by Louis Prima. With a careful approach to voice leading, jazz rhythms and even scat melodies, singers will gain confidence and experience success from the very start!
Arranger: Rosana Eckert | Composer: Louis Prima
It's a mad, mad, mad, mad, madrigal indeed where the fa-la-la's get mixed up with the shoo-bee-doo-bee-doo's and the rama-lama-ding-dong's! This novelty song for madrigal groups, concert choirs or jazz groups will bring smiles to the crowd!
Arranger: Kirby Shaw
What a sweet new arrangement blending these two popular pieces, one from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and the other first made famous by Bing Crosby, casting them into a choral holiday spotlight! It's a light, bouncy, and swinging arrangement that will sooth the holiday sweet tooth of your audience for sure!
Arranger: Mark Hayes
16th-Century harmony meets 21st-Century technology in this novel take on the madrigal style. It sings the story of a couple falling in love with some help from Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Their relationship is torn apart by Friendster, a failed social networking site. Lyric fun with solid musical writing in the madrigal style.
Composer: Nathan Howe
As the text says, "A twist of the tounge is easier sung than said." It's true! Just "enunciate clearly the words you love dearly" and these "twisters and teasers, grammatical pleasers are" a singer's verbal delight. It's fun, of course, but hidden beneath this song's humor is an excellent teaching piece-ideal for rehearsal work on diction and enunciation. Use it as a vocal exercise or as a concert work...two pieces in one.
Composer: Carl Strommen
Introduce your young singers to part-singing and variation form with this delightful piece, an adaptation of the familiar Alphabet Song. With piano and flute.
Arranger: Joan Whittemore
This playful arrangement of a Nicaraguan folk song encapsulates a broader message of diversity and inclusion across the world---because "all the nations like bananas!" Just a little Spanish, but a lot of fun. Limited vocal ranges and a few mini solos will encourage beginners to sing out loud and proud. Find choreography on the When We Sing! DVD. This title is available in SmartMusic.
Arranger: Nick Page
Use your community network to find a banjo player and add some Appalachian flavor to your concert with this fresh setting! A fun novelty feature with banjo and percussion, you can supplement it further with guitar, mandolin and bass, or just use piano to imitate the bluegrass sounds. A great showcase for SSA choirs in middle school and up!
Arranger: Tim Sharp | Country: Appalachia
The hilarious, but true story of a boy named Kyle, whose dog actually DID eat his homework (although no one at school believed him, including his music teacher, the composer of this song). Featuring well-timed optional solos, and an alternate set of lyrics in case a girl soloist is required, this clever piece will keep the audience in stitches!
Composer: Bill Vollinger
Black as the midnight, and white as the snow; gold as the sunshine, my cat of calico.” A bouncy and buoyant melody is supported by a folk-song-style piano accompaniment and some easy-to-sing harmonic patterns in this truly charming 2-part original by Andy Beck. Singers wonit be able to get enough of the tongue-twisting patter text as they tell the tale of the whimsically colorful cat. Directors can take special pride in teaching the optional cue notes and accented descant that adds a fluffy coat near the end.
Arranger: Andy Beck
Your singers will have fun with this novelty song from the 1940's and develop their vocal jazz chops at the same time! Opening in a happy-go-lucky 6/8, it sounds like an Italian street song full of nonsense lyrics, then it transitions into 4/4 swing with an easy scat section. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:40.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw
Harry Nilsson's 1971 novelty song tells the story of what happens when you put the lime in the coconut! A fun, free-spirited change-of-pace in calypso style!
Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Harry Nilsson Performed By: Harry Nilsson
This is hilarious! Ellen Foncannon has created a clever parody on Bach's famous Fugue in G Minor that will have your audience in stitches! Your students will have a blast singing such funny words with such serious Baroque music, which has been simplified for young voices. From the first note to the resounding A-Choo! at the end, this uproariously funny novelty is sure to be a big hit in your concert! Available: SATB, SSAA, TTBB, 2-Part, 3-Part.
Arranger: Ellen Foncannon | Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Get hip, little dogies! This country blues tune from the 1940s makes a great western style novelty, perfect for themed concerts or other occasions when you want to have a little fun with your audience!
Arranger: Kirby Shaw
Practice your Spanish and have a little fun with this light-hearted novelty piece that's full of tongue-in-cheek humor! The fiery Latin rhythms add spice! Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part. Duration: ca. 2:00.
Composer: John Purifoy | Country: Latin America
Calling all gamers! The popular video game Cuphead is famous not only for its quirky cartoon animation, but also for its retro-style soundtrack. This clever mini-medley takes a 3-minute tour through numerous musical styles, from barbershop to swingin' jazz to a mischievous march, all while relating the tale of game characters Cuphead and Mugman. Optional accompaniment for the barbershop sections is included on the CD and in the octavo.
Arranger: Alan Billingsley | Musical: Cuphead
Warning: if you are averse to earworms, best to skip this one. Endorsement: if you're looking to delight and excite your 2-part singers, there's nothing better! This Tones and I novelty has surpassed two billion streams on Spotify, set records on Shazam, and provided the soundtrack to millions of user-made videos on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Our SoundTrax accompaniment provides a buoyant synth-pop groove and just the right amount of support for younger singers. If you don't know it, no worries, your kids do! This title is available in SmartMusic.
Arranger: Andy Beck
This humorous novelty piece, set in a minor mode, tells a memorable story about the dangers of gossiping. Ample unison and echo singing allow for quick learning, and Greg's optional choreography notes are available as a free downloadable file so that you can add visual interest to this entertaining piece.
Composer: Greg Gilpin
Do you carrot all for me? My heart it beets for you. This charming and delectable poem has been set in a swooning, pop style by composer Allan Robert Petker. Including choreographed suggestions involving fruit and fun, this is a wonderful novelty selection for high school and college choirs.
Composer: Allan Robert Petker
This pair of novelty nonsense-syllable settings is fine fare for choirs with a fondness for funny! Easier to achieve than similar songs, these Classical era tunes guarantee a chuckle. Performs well as a set or as individual pieces.
Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray
Dress up flapper style and prepare your best Charleston moves for a salute to an earlier time in our popular music history! The happy sounds of the 1920s come to life in this classic novelty song with the cutest lyrics ever! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1, tpt 2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:50.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw
Have a hole in your spring concert program? Looking for that big finale or encore? Never fear, "Duct Tape" is here! Yes, this absolutely hilarious novelty piece, full of intense drama and emotional lyrics, will fit any occasion and repair a broken concert in a jiffy. But this is no mere silly song. It even features a short Latin section extolling the utter greatness of one of the world's most amazing substances. Don't get stuck without "Duct Tape!"
Composer: Mark Burrows
Fifty Nifty United States is a distinguished Shawnee Classic from the Shawnee Press educational catalog. It is a perennial best-seller that is as delightful today to hear and perform as when it was first released. In upcoming patriotic celebrations, Fifty Nifty United States will be just what you need. A delightful patriotic novelty that will remind the audience of all 50 states.
Composer: Ray Charles
Cod almighty, you'll get a chuckle from the anglers in your choir with this clever, country-style salute to fishing lingo! A fun change-of-pace for mixed and male choirs!
Arranger: Kirby Shaw
Set as a fugue, this humorous piece has the students singing about every type of fast food known to man! It's hilarious to learn, perfor and hear, and a joy to teach because of the vast musical learning that can be done with fugues. A new, different, and surprising novelty selection for your program from Ruthie Schram! Available separately: SAB, 2-part, PianoTrax CD.
Composer: Ruth Elaine Schram
Your men's choirs or ensembles will enjoy singing this unique adaptation of the famous American Civil War tune. The Doo-Wop style adapts extremely well to the melody and creates a fresh and most enjoyable performance piece. Ideal for any concert performance--it's a showstopper!
Arranger: Donald Moore
Yee-Haw! The best darn thing about this arrangement is, well, it's just outright fun to sing! Lots of silly "oinks," imitation banjo sounds, snoring, and country-style craziness! Featured on the Shine! Movement DVD (00-34720).
Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht | Composer: Jim Connor
Panic! at the Disco's Top 10 hit, High Hopes, carries a great message about keeping a positive attitude and pursuing one's dreams. The song starts with the chorus reminding us that hope sets the stage for achievement and gives strength along the journey.
Arranger: Panic! At The Disco | Composer: William Lobban Bean Performed By: Panic! At The Disco
This steamy Latin-style original celebrates a delicious winter treat. And what could be better than "hot, hot, hot, hot chocolate?" From the infectious rhythms to the speech choir add-on, your childrenis or young womenis chorus will beg for more! Donit miss the mug choreography on the "Hooray for Hollywood!" movement DVD 00-28868. Check this out! https://leapingbrain.com/modshop/product/?shop=9&product=5697
Composer: Andy Beck
Here's a jazz novelty song recorded by Ella Fitzgerald in the '50s that's filled to the brim with sass and style! Perfect for a winter concert, dinner theater fundraiser or anytime you want to share a little sweetness with your community!
Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composers: Milton Drake and Victor Mizzy Performed By: Ella Fitzgerald
Show off the personality and musicality of your 2-part choir with this irresistible novelty number. The embellished nursery rhyme is written in a minor key with an easy swing, singable vocal lines, and simple scat singing. Humorous one-liners at the hilarious end will "crack" you up. Eggcellent!
Composer: Dave Perry
"Classically" refreshing, "I Can, Can!" quotes melodies from Offenbach's famous Can-Can in "Orpheus in the Underworld." Wow! A novelty piece that is also a vehicle for learning a 'masterwork' and sending a positive message to all about working hard to succeed! Looking for the secret to success? It's simple: "Just plan your work, then work your plan; It's easy if you say, 'I Can!'" Add sparkle to your performance by optionally featuring teachers or administrators in a Can-Can kick line for the grand finale. (A little shy, are they? Students will do just fine instead!) Easy choreography and performance suggestions are included.
Composer: Stephen L Lawrence
Remember the sinking feeling you had when the teacher asked a tricky question and then-oh, no-called on you for the answer? Or the day you forgot that important test? The essence of these age-old fears is captured in this hilarious novelty piece. And imagine all the chuckles when the singers point to the audience at the end and sing, I hope the teacher calls on you and you and you and you and you!...But please don't let the teacher call on me! Clever lyrics and the fun Fiftiesswing style combine to create this crowd-pleasing winner!
Composer: Stephen L Lawrence
May I please sing with the choir? This novelty number answers that question with humorous lyrics and clever solo lines. Add some staging for a sure audience pleaser.Available separately: SATB, SAB and 2-Part. ShowTrax CD also available. Performance Time: Approx. 5:20
Arranger: Ed Lojeski
Here is a happy ragtime original that will be a perfect salute to grandparents, a feature number for a concert at a senior center or culmination of a unit on the stages of life! It lends itself well to choreography or even a video tribute to your singers' family members! Includes optional guitar, bass and World Music Drumming parts. Available separately: 2-Part Any Combination, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:30.
Composer: Will Schmid
Falling in love can turn a person topsy turvy as this novelty classic clearly shows! Lots of fun, the back and forth nature of the lyrics make this a fantastic concert change of pace! Available separately: SATB, SAB, ShowTrax CD. Woodwinds/Rhythm section parts available digitally (fl, cl, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:50.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw
This entertaining novelty song from Walt Disney Pictures' The Jungle Book has been arranged by the King's Singers' Philip Lawson for a cappella ensembles. Challenging, but worth it - it's a perfect encore!
Arranger: Philip Lawson | Composer: Richard M. Sherman | Lyricist: Robert B. Sherman | Musical: Jungle Book
Originally recorded by Patsy Montana in 1935, this was the first country song by a female artist to sell more than one million records. Subsequently covered by Suzy Bogguss, the Dixie Chicks and LeAnn Rimes, it's a sweet and sassy novelty song that will showcase your SSA choirs.
Arranger: Ed Lojeski Performed By: Patsy Montana
The American girl group Fifth Harmony is featured in the fun, gothic style of this single from the animated film Hotel Transylvania 2. The fright-rock thump of the track makes this a sensational selection for a pop/show novelty or Halloween-themed concert.
Arranger: Mac Huff | Composers: Harmony Samuels and Carmen Reece, Sarah Mancuso, Edgar Etienne and Eri Performed By: Fifth Harmony
Creative possibilities abound in this hilariously clever piece which so humorously explores the dilemma of a lost homework assignment. Destined to become a novelty hit of the year!
Composer: Marta Keen
The old popular novelty song from Tin Pan Alley days is recast as a contemporary arrangement with a New Orleans street beat, making it fun to sing and play! The middle section moves into swing-four style and may be repeated ad lib for either vocal or instrumental solos. Such a simple bit of melody will be a super vocal jazz showcase! Availible Separately: SATB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available digitally (pno, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:50.
Arranger: Paris Rutherford
This novelty standard from the 1920s is excellently revived by Greg Gilpin in a ragtime-styled choral for three-part and two-part voices. The verses are interesting between the parts, sometimes singing together while other times back and forth; and the chorus is repetitive until the key change where a more rhythmic approach to the arrangement takes place. Lyrically, this song is dynamite with an arrangement easy to learn and remember. A great piece for learning rhythm and style and for programming excellence! Available separately: 3-part mixed; 2-part; StudioTrax CD.
Arranger: Greg Gilpin
From Star Wars: The Force Awakens comes this clever song in the Cantina scene - an infectious, Reggae-styled tune, co-written by the film's director, J.J. Abrams, and creator and star of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Your singers will love recreating the Huttese lyrics!
Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Lin-Manuel Miranda | TV/Movie: Star Wars
What would happen if Jack and Jill didn't give up on their quest to fetch a pail of water? This clever setting of the traditional nursery rhyme harbors a positive message on the value of perseverance and cooperation. Text painting, mode changes, and invigorating rhythms bring the storybook words to life.
Composer: Traditional
Old MacDonald takes on a jazzy feel for young and developing choirs in this Shaw arrangement! An absolute must when introducing jazz to your singers, EIEIO now becomes a scat section with a chorus that allows for echoing and solo opportunities, if desired. Adorable on all levels!
Arranger: Kirby Shaw
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