Make 'Em Laugh: A Medley of Comic Songs: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Gilpin has crafted a medley that delivers genuine entertainment without sacrificing musical substance. The recorded accompaniment goes beyond standard backing tracks by layering in comedic sound effects that students will find irresistible, creating an instant hook for rehearsals and performances alike. This is the kind of piece that builds ensemble enthusiasm while still asking singers to nail their parts with precision.

Picture a vaudeville stage where nothing is quite serious and everything is slightly exaggerated. The two-part writing sits comfortably in accessible ranges while the melodies bounce with infectious energy, supported by a groovy 2-beat rhythm that recalls a simpler, more playful era of American entertainment. Humor lives in the lyrics and the musical gestures, making each song a small comic performance rather than a formal recital piece.

This medley works beautifully for middle school and high school choirs that are ready to perform with confidence and personality. Singers appreciate material that doesn't take itself too seriously, and audiences love watching young performers commit fully to material that's meant to entertain. It's ideal for mixed-age groups or all-treble ensembles looking for a concert closer that leaves the room smiling.

• Lean into the physical comedy. These songs were born in vaudeville, so encourage singers to use facial expressions, exaggerated gestures, and intentional timing. The music supports the gags, not the other way around.
• Play the recorded accompaniment during rehearsals to let students hear how the percussion hits land. Once they know the groove, you can pull back the track and let the choir carry the energy themselves.
• Stagger your pronunciation of key comedic words and phrases so the humor lands cleanly. Sloppy diction will bury the jokes even if the singers nail the notes.
• Consider minimal staging that amplifies the goofiness. A slip on an imaginary banana peel or a well-timed pratfall often costs nothing but gets the biggest laugh.

Close a spring or year-end concert with this medley to send the audience out laughing and energized. The 16-page format means you can program it alongside more serious or classical work without eating up rehearsal time, making it a practical choice for directors balancing variety with preparation demands. Consider pairing it with one other novelty piece or placing it immediately after a substantial choral work to reset the room's energy.

• Rhythmic precision in 2-beat feel
• Diction clarity for comedic timing and lyrical punch
• Part independence in 2-part voicing
• Stage presence and confident character portrayal
• Ensemble blend while maintaining individual personality