The Papaya Song: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Calypso Song / arr. Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0001871
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Kids will love performing with shakers in hand during this island-flavored Calypso song, arranged especially for developing 2-part singers. A terrific way to shake things up and bring the house down!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0001871
More about this title
About the Arranger: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin's career spans composition, arrangement, conducting, and music publishing, with performances at some of the world's most prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera House, and Royal Festival Hall. As Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press, he shapes choral music for students across the country, while his ASCAP award-winning catalog continues to appear on festival and concert stages nationwide.
Beyond music, Gilpin has pursued diverse creative and organizational work, from scoring the award-winning film "Rosie's Rescue" to building a professional organizing practice. He remains active in ACDA, NAfME, and SAG-AFTRA, balancing his roles as composer, conductor, and educator.
Why we love this
Gilpin knows exactly what 2-part singers need: a melody that sits comfortably in their range, harmonic support that feels natural, and an arrangement that keeps things engaging without overwhelming the ensemble. The addition of shakers transforms this from a standard octavo into a movement-based experience that energizes both performers and audience, making it memorable for young singers while remaining musically satisfying.
What to expect
Warm, playful, and infectious. The Calypso style brings immediate sunshine and movement into the room, while the accessible 2-part writing lets singers focus on enjoying the rhythm and energy rather than struggling with complex harmony. It feels like a celebration, not a lesson.
Who it's for
2-part choirs in middle school or early high school, as well as community and church choirs with younger or developing singers. The arrangement works equally well for treble and mixed ensembles at the same level.
How to get the most out of it
- Distribute shakers evenly across both parts so no section feels isolated with the percussion; alternating shaker patterns between parts adds rhythmic texture and keeps younger singers attentive.
- Establish a clear conducting pattern that the ensemble can follow while managing hand-held percussion; consider rehearsing a few measures without shakers first to cement the harmonic parts.
- Leverage the recorded accompaniment during rehearsals to help singers lock into the Calypso rhythm; the island groove is the glue holding the arrangement together.
How to use it
Position this as an opener or second selection on a spring or end-of-year concert to set an uplifting tone; its staging potential makes it ideal for a diverse program that includes both serious repertoire and spirited audience engagement. It also excels as a festival selection where the novelty of performing with shakers distinguishes your ensemble from others.
Skills your students will build
- Singing with rhythmic independence in two parts over a strong harmonic foundation
- Intonation in unison and two-part harmony within a syncopated Calypso style
- Coordinating vocal performance with hand-held percussion
- Responding to ensemble staging and movement cues while maintaining vocal focus