🎃 Skin and Bones Play-Along for Multiple Instruments and Movement

This Play-Along video was part of my 2022 summer project, where I created videos that combine the best of the Kodály and Orff Schulwerk approaches — connecting traditional songs with modern classroom instruments and technology.

Today, I’m sharing one of my favorites:
👉 “Skin and Bones” — a seasonal Play-Along for Boomwhackers, Ukuleles, Barred Instruments, Recorder, Percussion, and Movement!

This lesson brings together singing, playing, and movement, helping your students internalize musical concepts in a joyful, hands-on way.

🧡 About the Song

“Skin and Bones” has been passed down through generations and has long been a favorite among young learners. While it has a Halloween theme, it’s best suited for classrooms where seasonal activities are permitted.

I first encountered this song early in my teaching career when my first graders began singing it after studying the poem in their language arts class. It quickly became a staple in my fall lessons — full of opportunities to explore rhythm, melody, and ensemble work.

Musical concepts reinforced include:
🎵 Introducing Low E on the recorder
🎵 Preparing, presenting, and practicing 6/8 meter
🎵 Exploring minor tonality (La-based melodies)
🎵 Performing as an ensemble across multiple instrument families
🎵 Strengthening fine motor coordination through instrument play
🎵 Developing movement and expression through a game

✨ What’s Included in the Manipulatives

The Skin and Bones Manipulatives are designed to make this lesson smooth, flexible, and fun — whether you’re introducing the song, reviewing concepts, or preparing for a class performance.

Your download includes:

• A PowerPoint and PDF version of all visuals from the video

• Individual PDF parts for:

  • Vocals

  • Bass

  • Percussion

  • Boomwhackers

  • Recorders

  • Ukuleles

  • Movement

• Picture manipulatives (without notation) for early readers or students who benefit from visual support

These resources save you prep time while supporting differentiated instruction — from primary grades learning steady beat to upper grades performing in ensemble settings.

🎶 Teaching the Song: Step-by-Step

I typically teach this over three or four classes, spending about 10–15 minutes each day. Each class adds a new layer of musical understanding and collaboration.

Class 1: Explore and Move

• Sing the song while students keep the beat with body percussion.

• Add the movement game, changing characters each round (repeat 3–4 times).

• Sing along with visuals from the manipulatives.

• Use solfa to predict the last note of the chorus (“La”).

Class 2: Transfer and Play

• Review the song and chorus.

• Practice the “Oo-oo-oo-oo” chorus on solfa, then on “oo.”

• Transfer the chorus to pitched instruments (Boomwhackers or barred instruments).

• Half the class plays while the other half sings — then switch!

Class 3: Bass Lines and Ensemble Work

• Teach a lap crossover pattern (L–R–L–R) for the bass line. This can be simplified to a L-R-R-R pattern.

• Transfer to barred and percussion instruments.

• Sing while playing the bass line.

• Split into three groups (bass line, vocals, chorus) and rotate.

• Add extensions: tambourine rolls or verse accompaniments.

Class 4: Recorder and Ukulele Extensions

• Introduce Low E on the recorder.

• Guide students through B–A–G–E using a “peace sign” trick for correct fingering.

  • Have them perform B A and G. Then make a "peace" sign with the right hand. Bring the "peace" sign over the next two holes to perform E.

• Perform the chorus quietly (“piano”) on the final “Boo!”

• Review dynamics and balance between groups.

• Optional: Add ukuleles for chords or melody lines.

📺 Using the Play-Along Video

To help you tailor the video to your teaching style and student level, here’s a quick timestamp guide:

TimeSection:

• 00:20 Vocals

• 01:16 Bass Part

• 02:29 Percussion Parts

• 03:23 Boomwhacker Parts

• 04:25 Recorder Parts (teach chorus first)

• 05:29Ukulele

• 06:31 Movement Activity (description)

• 06:43 All Parts Combined

Use the video as a guided performance, a practice station, or an assessment tool for individual and group musicianship.

🧠 Why Music Teachers Love It

Educators who have used this lesson love how it:

• Engages every student, regardless of instrument proficiency

• Reinforces multiple music standards in one piece

• Works beautifully across grade levels

• Requires minimal setup with ready-to-use visuals

• Encourages collaboration and creativity

Perfect for October or anytime you want to explore minor mode, ensemble work, and musical storytelling — all wrapped in a little “boo!” of fun.

🎵 Get the Manipulatives

⬇️

Ready to bring this lesson to life in your own classroom?
👉 Download the Skin and Bones Manipulatives

Create a multi-sensory learning experience that your students will remember long after the last “Boo!”