Make 'Em Laugh: A Medley of Comic Songs: SAB Choral Octavo

Gilpin knows exactly how to write comedy that lands without sacrificing musicality. The recorded accompaniment's humorous percussion effects give your singers permission to play with the material, making this an ideal choice for groups that need a morale boost or a change of pace during concert season. Your rehearsals will feel energized, and the audience will remember this piece long after the final laugh.

Slip-on-a-banana-peel fun with a genuine vaudeville swagger. There's a lightness and absurdity to the lyrics and arrangement that feels refreshing in the middle of serious concert programming, like a palate cleanser that makes everyone in the room grin.

SAB groups looking for accessible novelty repertoire that actually entertains both singers and audiences. The 16-page octavo works well for high school or community choirs with modest vocal ranges and a willingness to embrace humor.

• Lean into the theatrical potential of the arrangement. Gilpin built in space for staging, so encourage your singers to think like performers, not just singers. Even simple choreography or intentional positioning transforms this from cute to genuinely funny.
• Let the recorded accompaniment do the comedic heavy lifting with those percussion sounds. Your singers will stay more relaxed vocally when the jokes aren't all landing on their shoulders.
• Keep the 2-beat pulse crisp and energetic. A sluggish tempo drains the humor out of vaudeville style material, so maintain forward momentum even in the softer moments.

Slot this into the second half of a concert when energy might be dipping, or use it as an opener to establish a fun, approachable tone. It pairs beautifully alongside other pops arrangements and gives your group a moment to show their playful side without sacrificing musical credibility.

• Comedic timing and phrasing in ensemble singing
• Flexibility with dynamic control in light, humorous material
• Coordination between vocal parts and recorded accompaniment
• Stage presence and theatrical interpretation