Down to the Zoo!: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words from "At the Zoo" by A. A. Milne, music by Katie O'Connor-Ballantyne
Item: 00-PO-0006631
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Have you ever heard of a bear with wings? Or a biffalo-buffalo-bison? How about a wallaboo? A. A. Milne, best-known as the author of Winnie the Pooh, penned this playful poem about amusing animals, both real and imagined, at a zany zoo. This clever children's choral offers plenty of musical moments (including independent counterlines and logical 2-part harmonies) in between giggles. Perform with a light, bright tone and crisp consonants on the patter-like words. Two likely results: hilarious rehearsals and a roaring crowd!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006631
More about this title
About the Composer: Katie O'Connor-Ballantyne
Katie O'Connor-Ballantyne brings deep experience across multiple dimensions of music education. She has worked with singers at every level, from elementary general music students through undergraduate music theory classes, and has served as an adjunct professor at Ithaca College's School of Music and as Artistic Director of the Ithaca Children and Youth Chorus. Her published work includes two pedagogical texts: Harmony Handbook and Finding Your Teacher Voice, alongside numerous choral compositions released through Alfred Music and Heritage Music Press.
Beyond the classroom and rehearsal hall, O'Connor-Ballantyne remains active as a guest conductor, festival adjudicator, and clinician at music education conferences nationwide. She holds a BM in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Ithaca College and an MA in Chant and Ritual Song from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick.
Why we love this
O'Connor-Ballantyne captures the absurd delight of Milne's original poem without oversimplifying the musical architecture. The 2-part writing offers genuine independence between lines while remaining accessible, and the patter-like sections create natural comedic timing that young singers instinctively understand. A piece this genuinely funny in both text and music is rare at this level.
What to expect
Imagine a children's book come to life in sound: lighthearted, quirky, and delightfully silly. The music bounces along with infectious energy, alternating between moments of surprising harmonic interest and straightforward, almost nursery-rhyme simplicity that lets the absurdity of imaginary animals shine. There's real joy in both the singing and the listening.
Who it's for
Elementary and middle school choirs benefit most from this piece, though treble-voice choirs of any age will connect with the text and musical playfulness. Directors seeking repertoire that generates genuine laughter while building musicianship, rather than relying on cuteness alone, will find this a strong choice for concert or festival performance.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize crisp consonant articulation during the rapid text passages; sloppy diction will bury the wordplay that makes the piece work.
- Balance brightness with clarity in the tone. A thin, squeaky sound undercuts the humor; a heavy tone flattens it. Aim for a supported, resonant sound at a lighter dynamic.
- Shape each animal introduction with slight dynamic or textural variety so audiences can anticipate the next creature. Consistency in delivery kills the comedy.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the rhythmic feel, especially through the patter sections where timing drives the joke.
How to use it
This octavo works beautifully as a palette cleanser between serious or dramatic pieces, or as an opener that immediately engages an audience and establishes an informal, approachable tone for your concert. It's equally effective in a festival or competition setting where humor and emotional honesty register as genuine artistic choices rather than crowd-pleasing shortcuts.
Skills your students will build
- Independent 2-part singing with clarity between lines
- Rapid text articulation and diction control
- Phrasing and pacing in comedy-driven music
- Harmonic awareness and listening to blend across parts