Is It Music?: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Nick Page
Item: 00-PO-0005512
$1.90
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
This change-of-pace charmer recreates the conversation between a pair of birds as they observe children singing. The birds consider what the sounds are, why the sounds are made, and most importantly, "Is it music?" Kids will embrace telling the animated story with playful tempo shifts, dramatic fermatas, comic interjections, and a tender final realization that, "Yes, it's music!" Optional clarinet and string bass parts are available for free online.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0005512
Instrumentation:
Opt. Clarinet & String Bass
More about this title
About the Composer: Nick Page
Nick Page is a composer and arranger whose work for young singers balances accessibility with genuine musical substance. His pieces consistently find humor, heart, and teaching moments in unexpected places, making him a trusted voice in choral education across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Why we love this
This piece works because it trusts kids to carry a real dramatic arc while staying playful. The birds' skepticism and ultimate acceptance of children's singing as legitimate music becomes a gentle affirmation that matters to young singers, and the tempo shifts and fermatas give you natural places to build theatrical energy without needing extra staging or props.
What to expect
Whimsical and observant, with moments of genuine tenderness underneath the playful banter. The birds' journey from skepticism to appreciation mirrors something true about how young singers often feel about their own voices, making the final realization that yes, this is music feel earned rather than sentimental.
Who it's for
This piece fits elementary and middle school choirs who are ready for simple two-part writing but hungry for character and storytelling. It works equally well for singers who need confidence building and those ready for performance challenge.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the fermatas with intention. They're comic beats, not dead stops. A knowing pause before "Is it music?" lets the audience lean in before the tender resolution.
- Use the tempo shifts as character markers. The birds move differently as their perspective changes from questioning to wondering to celebrating. Let those shifts inform your conducting and the singers' physical engagement.
- Balance the two parts so both bird voices stay audible through the overlapping moments. This conversation only works if both sides of the dialogue come through clearly.
- Consider bringing in the optional clarinet and string bass parts for a full dress rehearsal or performance. They add shimmer and grounding without overwhelming the narrative focus on the singers.
How to use it
This shines as a concert opener or a lighter moment in a mixed program of serious repertoire. It also stands alone beautifully in a family concert or school assembly where you want to celebrate what singing is and why kids care about doing it.
Skills your students will build
- Managing dramatic tempo changes within a cohesive musical line
- Singing two independent parts with clear character definition
- Using fermatas and pauses as expressive tools rather than technical obstacles
- Blending humorous delivery with secure vocal technique