Colonel Bogey's Grand Old Flag!
A Partner Song with "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Colonel Bogey"
Arr. Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0002783
$1.95
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Pickup currently not available
Description
"Great fun" is the best way to describe this Greg Gilpin original that combines singers and kazoos on two well-known flag-waving favorites.
Colonel Bogey's Grand Old Flag! isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
4
SKU:
00-PO-0002783
Instrumentation:
Kazoo Khorus
More about this title
About the Arranger: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin brings both compositional depth and pedagogical insight to his work as a choral composer and arranger. An ASCAP award-winning musician, he has conducted performances at major venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Yerman Auditorium, Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall, and Harpa Concert Hall. Beyond the concert stage, Gilpin serves as Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press and remains active in the recording industry as a producer and musician.
Gilpin's creative reach extends well beyond traditional choral work. In 2021, he composed the score for the award-winning short film "Rosie's Rescue" and collaborated with opera singer Angela Brown on a new arrangement of "What Child is This?" for its world premiere with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. He is a member of ACDA, NAfME, and SAG-AFTRA, and holds Life Loyal membership in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Why we love this
Gilpin captures something rare here: genuine elementary joy without sacrificing musicality. The pairing of voices with kazoos transforms what could be a standard patriotic medley into a lively, theatrical experience that young singers find irresistible, while the 2-part writing keeps the focus on confident singing rather than technical demands.
What to expect
Marching-band energy meets classroom exuberance. The familiar melodies land immediately, while the kazoo timbre adds a wink of humor that keeps the mood light and celebratory rather than formal. It feels like a parade you actually want to march in.
Who it's for
This is an ideal choice for elementary and early middle school choirs looking for patriotic repertoire with genuine stage presence. The 2-part voicing and simple melodic framework mean singers can learn quickly, leaving more rehearsal time to polish kazoo technique and choreography. It works equally well for all-male, all-female, or mixed ensembles.
How to get the most out of it
- Embrace the kazoo sound as a full ensemble voice, not a novelty. The kazoos carry melodic material and harmonic support, so they need the same rhythmic precision as the singers.
- Divide your ensemble strategically between singers and kazoo players rather than assigning by voice part. Consider mixing grades or ability levels to ensure confident singers anchor each section.
- Record a classroom rehearsal once your singers know their part. Hearing themselves alongside the kazoos helps students lock into the intended sound and understand how the two timbres interact.
- Keep the energy consistently bright throughout both songs; resist the urge to slow down or "dignify" the piece. The arrangement thrives on forward momentum and playfulness.
How to use it
Program this as a closing number for a patriotic concert or Veterans Day assembly, where its high spirits and theatrical kazoo moment can send audiences out smiling. It pairs well with more reverent flag-themed repertoire earlier in the program, creating a dynamic arc that honors tradition while celebrating joy.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in 2-part harmony while listening to independent instrumental parts
- Rhythmic coordination between pitched voices and unpitched percussion
- Breath control in sustained patriotic songs
- Ensemble awareness and balance when mixing vocal and kazoo textures