This Is Halloween (from The Nightmare Before Christmas): Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet captures one of the most immediately singable melodies in contemporary film music, with enough rhythmic interest to keep students engaged without overwhelming them. The tune sits in a comfortable vocal range and works equally well for keyboard sight-reading, small ensemble arrangements, or as a springboard for jazz interpretations and improvisation.

Mischievous and theatrical, with a carnival-like bounce that feels both spooky and joyful. The melody carries a sing-along quality that makes audiences respond immediately, while the underlying harmonic movement keeps performers thinking.

Pianists, keyboardists, and singers at intermediate levels who want accessible repertoire with genuine character. This works equally well in a jazz ensemble setting, a pop keyboard lab, or as a solo vocal piece with piano accompaniment.

• Anchor the rhythmic feel by locking the kick pattern on beats 1 and 3; the syncopated melody lands more effectively when the pulse underneath is rock solid.
• Lean into the playful character by slightly pushing the eighth-note subdivisions in the melody without losing the groove's pocket.
• If using the lead sheet for improvisation, establish the harmonic movement clearly in the first pass before soloists take liberties with the melody.

Program this in late October or as a novelty closer on any concert seeking something instantly recognizable and fun. It also serves as an excellent teaching tool for understanding how film composers write melodies that remain memorable across repeated listening.

• Sight-reading lead sheet notation and interpreting slash chords
• Balancing melody against comping figures in keyboard playing
• Sustaining character and stylistic consistency in a rhythmic, groove-oriented piece
• Singing with rhythmic accuracy and articulation clarity in a syncopated melody