Minnie the Moocher: 2nd Violin
Words and music by Cab Calloway and Irving Mills / arr. Ralph Ford
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PC-0015972_VN2
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Description
A jazz classic that has stood the test of time, this arrangement captures all the magic of this great Cab Calloway tune from the 1930s. Also known as the "Hi-dee-ho" song, it was re-popularized by Cab himself in a 1970's comedy film that featured two brothers singing the blues that were "on a mission from God." Included in this arrangement for your orchestra is the famous vocal scat that made this a huge hit that spans generations. Audiences of all ages are sure to enjoy joining in the fun and singing along on your next concert! (2:30) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Minnie the Moocher: 2nd Violin comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Intermediate Full Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
160
SKU:
00-PC-0015972_VN2
More about this title
About the Composer: Cab Calloway
Cab Calloway (1907-1994) was a bandleader, singer, and entertainer who became one of the most recognizable figures in jazz history. Known for his energetic stage presence, distinctive vocal style, and the catchphrase "hi-dee-ho," Calloway led his orchestra through the swing era and became a cultural icon whose influence extended far beyond music into film, theater, and popular culture.
Calloway's compositional legacy centers on songs that captured the spirit of jazz improvisation and audience engagement. "Minnie the Moocher," written in collaboration with Irving Mills, exemplifies his gift for creating earworms that audiences immediately want to sing along with. His work remains relevant to music educators because it demonstrates how jazz can be accessible, fun, and musically sophisticated at the same time.
Why we love this
This arrangement delivers what every director wants: a piece that gets audiences on their feet and students genuinely excited to rehearse. Ralph Ford's orchestration captures the scat vocal that made the original a phenomenon while keeping the instrumental parts engaging and playable at Grade 2.5. The cultural recognition is immediate and multigenerational—students know it from "The Blues Brothers," their parents remember Cab's version, and both groups will participate in the sing-along moment that makes this piece sing in concert.
What to expect
Stepping into a 1930s jazz club meets a contemporary concert hall. The scat vocal is playful and contagious, inviting the orchestra to swing and groove rather than sit stiffly. There's an infectious energy that makes rehearsal feel like collaboration rather than drill, and a genuine sense of fun that translates directly to audience engagement.
Who it's for
Orchestra directors teaching Grade 2.5 ensembles who want to program a crowd-pleaser that also builds legitimate musicianship. This works especially well for directors whose students span a range of instrument proficiency, since the arrangement accommodates mixed abilities while keeping everyone involved. Any ensemble looking to connect with audiences through recognizable, fun repertoire will find solid material here.
How to get the most out of it
- Build vocal confidence during rehearsals by having the ensemble sing the scat section on a neutral syllable or "doo" sounds before adding words. This removes inhibition and locks the rhythmic feel before the full text comes in.
- Balance the ensemble texture so the featured scat melody remains clear without overwhelming the supporting orchestra. The rhythm section needs definition, but the vocal line is the star.
- Establish the laid-back swing feel early in rehearsal through listening to the original Cab Calloway recording. The timing sits slightly behind the beat, and that pocket is essential to the groove.
- Keep the tempo steady throughout the 2:30 duration. This piece relies on forward momentum and playfulness; any hesitation will flatten the energy.
How to use it
Use this as the crowd-opener or a strategic second piece on a concert where you want to shift the audience's mood and involvement. It pairs well after a contrasting classical or serious work, giving audiences permission to relax and participate. The recognizable title and sing-along moment also make it an ideal community concert piece or a program closer that sends people home smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Swing rhythm interpretation and feel
- Ensemble balance in mixed-texture passages
- Reading and executing scat-style articulation
- Maintaining steady tempo across an extended arrangement
- Jazz phrasing and syncopation in orchestral context