Monster Mash: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Bobby Pickett and Leonard Capizzi / arr. Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0001964
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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More about this title
About the Composer: Bobby Pickett
Bobby Pickett wrote and recorded "Monster Mash" in 1962, creating one of the most enduring novelty songs in popular music. His playful approach to songwriting and gift for memorable melodies made the track a Halloween staple that has introduced generations of listeners to choral music through fun, accessible arrangements.
Why we love this
Greg Gilpin's arrangement strips away the novelty without losing the joy, landing squarely in the sweet spot for younger singers who need unison moments, simple harmony, and built-in momentum. The spoken solos give every student a chance to own the stage, and the Halloween tie-in means you can program this concert-opener in October without it feeling forced.
What to expect
Equal parts silly and surprisingly musical, this version bounces with infectious rhythm while staying grounded in clean, triadic harmony. The interplay between sung and spoken moments creates a cabaret-like energy that makes audiences smile before the first verse ends.
Who it's for
This arrangement serves middle school and early high school choirs, particularly groups with mixed experience levels or younger singers building confidence with two-part writing. It works equally well for community children's choirs and recreational singing groups looking for an entertaining, achievable October program piece.
How to get the most out of it
- Commit fully to the character voices during spoken solos; the comedy lands when singers believe they're Frankenstein or Dracula, not when they're self-conscious.
- Lock the rhythm section (or the recorded accompaniment) to the beat before rehearsing the melodic entrances; this novelty song lives in its groove.
- Assign spoken solos strategically to confident speakers rather than strongest singers; clarity and personality matter more than vocal power here.
- Encourage students to choreograph their own monster movements during rehearsal; ownership of the staging will carry into performance energy.
How to use it
Open a fall concert with this piece to set a lighthearted tone and immediately engage your audience. The 16-page length and straightforward 2-part voicing mean you can learn it quickly, freeing rehearsal time for more demanding repertoire later in the program.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in two-part harmony with triadic structures
- Coordinating sung and spoken text within a single arrangement
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in a groove-based song
- Using character voice and performance personality to enhance musical meaning
- Building confidence through novelty repertoire with built-in audience connection