Minnie the Moocher: Score
Words and music by Cab Calloway and Irving Mills / arr. Ralph Ford
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0004157
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Description
First recorded in 1931 by Cab Calloway and his orchestra, this classic is best known for its famous scat phrase, "Hi De Hi De Hi De Ho," performed as a call-and-response with audiences. He performed the song on film for the first time in 1955's Rhythm and Blues Review and much later in 1980's Blues Brothers at age 73. Authentic and recognized globally, the band members won't be the only ones singing! (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: Score 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 Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
134
SKU:
00-PR-0004157
More about this title
About the Composer: Cab Calloway
Cab Calloway (1907-1994) was a singer, dancer, and bandleader whose energetic stage presence and innovative scat singing made him one of the most recognizable entertainers of the swing era. His career spanned seven decades, and he became known as the "Hi-De-Ho Man" for his signature call-and-response phrases that turned audiences into active participants rather than passive listeners. Beyond his recording legacy, Calloway's influence on performance style and audience engagement remains a cornerstone of American popular music.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the infectious energy and interactive spirit that made the original a phenomenon. Students get to experience how a simple, memorable phrase can drive an entire performance and create genuine audience connection, a reminder that concert band repertoire can be fun and participatory without sacrificing musicality.
What to expect
Bright, playful, and propulsive. The piece swings with a laid-back groove that feels effortless once the ensemble locks into the blues pocket, and the famous scat phrases have an irresistible buoyancy that makes players smile while performing. There's a party-like quality that spreads from the stage to the audience.
Who it's for
Grade 2 concert bands that want accessible material with genuine historical significance and proven audience appeal. This works equally well for ensembles seeking repertoire that teaches musical joy alongside solid fundamentals, or for directors programming family-friendly concerts where interactive participation enhances the experience.
How to get the most out of it
- Rehearse the scat phrases and call-and-response sections with precise articulation so the "Hi De Hi De Ho" moments land with clarity and snap, even from the back of the ensemble.
- Encourage the band to listen actively to each other during the call-and-response passages; this isn't about playing notes but about creating rhythmic conversation.
- Work the blues feel into the rhythm section from the start, letting the natural swing of the melody emerge rather than forcing it.
- Plan ahead for audience participation. A brief explanation before the performance of how the call-and-response works invites the audience in and transforms the final section into a shared moment.
How to use it
Place this where you want to shift the energy and remind audiences that concert band can be entertaining and accessible. It pairs well with more formal selections on a mixed program, serving as a palette cleanser or closer that leaves the audience in good spirits. Consider programming it early in the season when students are still building confidence with their instruments.
Skills your students will build
- Phrasing and articulation in a swing idiom
- Blues tonality and harmonic feel
- Call-and-response ensemble awareness
- Rhythmic precision with syncopated figures
- Balancing precision with stylistic freedom