Shakin' It Up!: Songbook

Albrecht and Althouse have designed this songbook around a smart pedagogical truth: rhythm mastery grows when students can both sing and play. By rotating who sings and who plays each rhythm pattern, you multiply engagement and let every student feel what the instruments do rhythmically. The ten songs move through recognizable rhythm band instruments with catchy melodies that make the learning stick.

The collection has a playful, energetic spirit that reflects its titles: from the samba warmth of "Rum ba da Dum Bum Bum" to the gentle tick-tock of the woodblock song. Each piece is crafted to be immediately fun to perform, which means students stay engaged even during the deliberate rhythm-learning work.

General music teachers and classroom instructors working with grades 2-6 who want to build rhythm literacy and instrument familiarity without overwhelming their students. This songbook works equally well for teachers new to rhythm band instruments and for those looking to refresh their approach with accessible, singable material.

• Rotate instrumental roles within each rehearsal so students sing the melody in one song and play rhythm instruments in the next, building ownership across all parts.
• Use the recorded accompaniment tracks to lock in ensemble timing while you observe which students need more tactile practice with specific instruments.
• Teach the rhythm pattern first in isolation (spoken, clapped, or played slowly) before layering it into the full song.
• Encourage students to listen for how their rhythm instrument sits in the texture; a tambourine entry sounds different from a woodblock entry, and noticing that difference sharpens their ear.

Use this songbook in sequential units during the year, introducing one new instrument every week or two so students build a library of rhythms and confident instrumental technique over time. It pairs well with a rhythm band concert or a "world percussion" assembly where students showcase what they have learned across the whole book.

• Identifying and playing characteristic rhythms for ten different percussion instruments
• Reading rhythm notation accurately while maintaining ensemble coordination
• Listening and distinguishing instrument timbres in an ensemble texture
• Transitioning between singing and playing, strengthening awareness of different musical roles
• Maintaining consistent tempo and pulse with recorded accompaniment
• Building foundational ensemble discipline and listening skills