Turkey In The Straw (arr. Jim Schustedt): Ukulele

Schustedt's arrangement captures the infectious energy of this beloved folk tune while remaining genuinely playable on ukulele. The single-page format makes it accessible for students discovering the instrument without overwhelming them, yet the arrangement honors the melody's character and harmonic depth.

Sprightly and full of rollicking good humor. The melody bounces with a playful spirit that recalls country dances and street performers, inviting listeners into a moment of unburdened joy and cultural connection.

Ukulele students at the intermediate beginner level who are ready to tackle a piece with character and historical significance. This works equally well for classroom ensembles, informal performance settings, or solo recital preparation.

• Keep the pulse steady and crisp; this tune thrives on rhythmic clarity and a driving forward motion that invites dancing.
• Shape the phrasing to highlight the tune's natural four-bar and eight-bar sections rather than playing it as a continuous line.
• Balance melody and accompaniment so neither overshadows the other, especially if fingerstyle playing involves both parts.

Include this in a folk music unit or American music appreciation concert, pairing it with other traditional arrangements to show how a single melody travels across genres and instruments. Its familiarity makes it an excellent crowd pleaser when programming lighter repertoire alongside more substantial works.

• Reading single-line melodies with consistent rhythmic patterns
• Managing chord changes or fingerstyle accompaniment patterns
• Maintaining steady tempo in a tune with infectious rhythmic energy
• Connecting to American folk tradition and understanding cultural repertoire