The Granny Awards: Choral Listening CD

Gardner captures the charm and humor that elementary students crave while building genuine musical and theatrical engagement. The playful Awards ceremony framing turns listening and performance into genuine entertainment rather than a passive activity, and the variety of musical numbers keeps energy high and attention focused throughout.

The Granny Awards wraps fairy tale characters in an entertaining awards-show format that feels both familiar and fresh. You'll hear distinct musical personalities emerge from each number, playful vocal characterizations, and enough humor to keep young listeners genuinely engaged rather than merely tolerating a children's program.

This recording works beautifully for elementary choirs (Grade 3 and up) who are learning their parts for a performance or who want to experience the musical numbers in a finished, professionally produced context. It also serves music teachers looking to introduce story-based choral music and theatrical elements in a playful, accessible way.

• Listen through the entire recording before rehearsals to familiarize yourself with tempos, dynamics, and character voices, which will shape how your students interpret their parts when they perform alongside the recording.
• Encourage your choir to watch for the Big Bad Wolf's antics during the performance; the comedic interruption rewards attentive listening and adds a layer of theatrical awareness beyond just singing along.
• Have students identify which fairy tale characters they hear in each musical number and discuss the musical choices that reflect each character's personality.

Use this recording during rehearsals so your choir can match style, phrasing, and character interpretation with a polished reference. It also works well as a concert preview for families or as a standalone listening experience if your program includes a "musical theater sampler" concert segment.

• Listening for character voice and musical style
• Matching recorded accompaniment and ensemble sound
• Following theatrical timing and cues within a musical narrative
• Identifying musical storytelling techniques in choral writing