Rats! The Story of the Pied Piper: Choral Student Pack (5 Singer's Editions)

Dave and Jean Perry have crafted a musical that keeps young singers engaged without sacrificing musical substance. The witty dialogue and clever songs create genuine entertainment value, while the fully orchestrated accompaniment audio gives your program a polished, professional sound that feels far beyond a typical school musical production.

Imagine a folk tale told with a theatrical wink. The Pied Piper narrative unfolds at a brisk, energetic pace while the characters feel fresh and humorous rather than stale. Songs sit naturally in young voices and the orchestral backing creates a sense of grandeur that younger performers find deeply satisfying to sing against.

Elementary and middle school choirs looking for a full-length musical with genuine fun built into the score and script. This works equally well as a spring concert centerpiece or a standalone performance event that engages singers across ability levels while maintaining musical credibility.

• Familiarize singers with the recorded accompaniment early in rehearsals so they understand the tempo, phrasing, and orchestral context of each song before adding their parts.
• Break the 35-minute runtime into distinct rehearsal chunks focusing on one scene or song cycle at a time; this keeps younger singers focused and builds confidence incrementally.
• Layer character work alongside musical rehearsal; the witty dialogue requires clear intention and comedic timing that elevates the singing itself.

Schedule this as a spring or fall standalone performance, or program it as a capstone event for a choir season. The 35-minute length makes it ideal for a full concert when paired with shorter choral pieces, or as a single feature with modest staging and simple set pieces.

• Sustaining character and intention through dialogue-heavy scenes
• Singing melodic lines with clear diction and rhythmic precision
• Responding to fully orchestrated accompaniment audio
• Building ensemble blend and sectional balance in a longer musical form
• Connecting lyrics and melody to storytelling and dramatic arc