Zombie Jamboree (Back To Back): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK00034854
$30.00
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Description
Recorded by the Kingston Trio and Rockapella, this spooky classic is a great novelty change of pace that is perfect for show and pop groups alike. Instrumental ePak includes parts for Trumpet 1, 2, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar (nylon string), Bass and Drums. Performance Time: Approx. 3:50
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00034854
More about this title
About the Artist: Kirby Shaw
Kirby Shaw has established himself as a consequential voice in choral music education through clinics, workshops, and conducting appearances across North America, Europe, and beyond. He holds degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University and a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. His teaching philosophy balances technical rigor with an infectious sense of humor that energizes students and audiences alike.
As a prolific composer and arranger with more than 2500 works in print, Shaw has shaped the sound of vocal jazz ensembles at institutions including College of the Siskiyous, Colorado State University, and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. His arrangements have sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide and earned multiple ASCAP awards. Beyond the page, Shaw brings deep musical credibility: he has worked one-on-one with jazz legends including Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks, and performs regularly with Just 4 Kicks, a jazz-focused a cappella quartet.
Why we love this
Shaw's arrangement captures the infectious novelty of this standard while respecting its vintage charm. The instrumental colors (trumpet, sax, trombone, and rhythm section) create an authentically retro sound that feels genuinely fun rather than forced, making it the kind of novelty piece that audiences genuinely enjoy and singers actually want to rehearse.
What to expect
Spooky yet playful, vintage yet accessible, this arrangement channels the casual swing of 1950s pop with a wink toward the supernatural. The rhythm section propels forward with infectious energy while the horns trade witty, conversational phrases that keep the energy light and the mood theatrical.
Who it's for
Show choirs, pop ensembles, and any group looking for seasoned novelty repertoire that doesn't insult the audience's intelligence. This works equally well for groups performing during the Halloween season or looking to add a fun palate cleanser to a mixed concert.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section early. The drums and bass need to establish the groove's pocket before the horns layer in; once that foundation is solid, the entire arrangement clicks into place.
- Emphasize the sax and trumpet interplay in the call-and-response sections. These moments drive the arrangement's personality, so balance them carefully in the mix to let both voices shine.
- Keep the tempo conversational rather than rushed. At 3:50, there's room to breathe and let comedic moments land without feeling forced.
- Use the nylon string guitar to anchor the harmonic texture. It's the bridge between your choral blend and the jazz combo sound Shaw constructs here.
How to use it
Pair this with other novelty or seasonal selections for a complete show choral set, or use it as a high-energy palate cleanser between serious works in a pop or jazz-focused concert. Its 3:50 runtime makes it ideal for a program that needs flexibility in pacing.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in swing-influenced grooves
- Sectional independence (horn lines over vocal rhythm section)
- Blend and balance between acoustic and jazz-ensemble textures
- Stylistic interpretation of novelty material with comedic timing
- Coordinate with recorded or live instrumental accompaniment