Ecologically, I suppose this song
exemplifies the way everything gets into everything else.
But most of all, this song is just plain fun. Spoken rounds
(I like to call them “non-critical-pitch songs”)
are great for people who want to lead songs but feel shy about
their singing voices. This one works great with kids and creates
some really nifty rhythmic interplay once all the parts get
going. The squash part is often the trickiest. If you want
to keep it easier at first, try leaving out the squashes until
you can keep it together with just the chickens and rabbits
and their relations.
If you are interested in Steve Schuch’s
workshop on rounds, contact him about Roots
of Rhythm & Harmony.
Suggestions for Teaching
Rounds Sing the whole song through at least once or twice
to convey the overall shape of the round, then teach it phrase
by phrase. The next step is singing the whole song through
in unison. On the first day, this may be enough for younger
children. When you’re ready to try it in parts, start
with two parts before adding more. Sign language or motions
can help keep the different parts together rhythmically. They
also add another level of fun or beauty to many songs, especially
rounds and a capella chants.
A Math/Mozart Effect Rounds are a fun way to teach fractions
on a physical, intuitive level. The different rhythmic parts
of this round correspond to all these basic fractions: 1/4,
1/2, 3/4, 1/8, and 3/12. For the round to work, the triplets
of “even the rabbits inhibit their habits” have
to equal the corresponding squashes and their rests. In other
words, four rhythmic groups of 3/12 equals four rhythmic groups
of 1/4. Mathematically, 4 x 3/12 = 4 x 1/4. When kids sing
this song, they are internalizing mathematical relationships
without even consciously knowing it!
On
a deeper level, all canons, fugues and symphonies are based
on mathematical relationships. These include time, pitch and
chord progressions. Some educators find that playing Bach
and other classical music is helpful during math tests, or
while students work independently.
For more on this subject, contact
Steve Schuch about his educator workshop, Math,
Mozart & Music.
Night
Heron Music • 72 Meeting Hill Road, Hillsborough, NH 03244 • USA
• ph (603) 464-4321 •e-mail info@nightheron.com
The
chickens, get into, the to-ma-toes 
Listen
to the sound file
On
a deeper level, all canons, fugues and symphonies are based
on mathematical relationships. These include time, pitch and
chord progressions. Some educators find that playing Bach
and other classical music is helpful during math tests, or
while students work independently.