This minor-key treble treasure features words from Edward Lear's whimsical collection of poems The Jumblies. Verses are sung primarily in unison with occasional call-and-response, and the main chorus functions like a round---making this charming piece a perfect step into two-part singing.
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Douglas E. Wagner grew up in Chicago and earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in music from Butler University. He spent three decades as a high school music educator and administrator before transitioning to full-time composition work.
Since 1973, Wagner has published more than 3,500 compositions across choral, band, orchestral, handbell, organ, piano, and vocal genres. His music has circulated in more than seventeen million copies worldwide and appears regularly in concert halls, broadcasts, and educational settings across the United States and internationally. He now resides in Indianapolis with his wife, Sandy.
Why we love this
Wagner captures the absurdist humor of Edward Lear's verse in a musically accessible way that doesn't sacrifice charm for simplicity. The round-like chorus and call-and-response passages give students genuine ensemble experience without overwhelming singers still building confidence in two-part texture.
What to expect
Lighthearted and imaginative, like stepping into a storybook told through song. The minor key lends a gentle, slightly mysterious quality to the whimsy, while the round-like chorus invites singers into a musical game that feels both playful and purposeful.
Who it's for
Developing choirs making the transition from unison to two-part singing, particularly middle school and early high school treble ensembles. The text-driven narrative and manageable harmonic vocabulary make it engaging for singers who may still be building confidence with part independence.
How to get the most out of it
Establish a steady, almost dance-like tempo to highlight the rhythmic humor in Lear's text and keep the unison verses buoyant.
Emphasize the call-and-response sections by creating distinct vocal colors between groups; this clarity helps listeners follow the text and reinforces the whimsical narrative.
Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in harmonic underpinning, especially where the chorus functions as a round, so singers can focus on blend and diction in the two-part writing.
How to use it
Pair this with other Lear-inspired pieces or a concert celebrating literary texts set to music. Its accessible two-part writing and narrative appeal make it ideal for family concerts or educational performances where you want to showcase emerging ensemble skills alongside genuine musical storytelling.
Skills your students will build
Two-part harmonic awareness and blend in a treble-voicing context
Call-and-response coordination and ensemble listening
Text clarity and expressive singing in minor-key material
Sustained unison singing with secure intonation
Round-like form recognition and execution
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