Sasquatch

Description

Based on David Thaxton’s bestselling round, this book brings his song Sasquatch to life! 

This book and song take a whimsical look at everyone’s favorite cryptid – the Sasquatch! Written as a quodlibet (Latin for “whatever pleases”), the song layers three melodies that can be sung in any combination, along with a chant and percussive accompaniment. It is also based on Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman’s piece “Street Song” from Music for Children, volume III, p. 48, #14, and can be sung with eight-bar interludes in the accompaniment.

It provides a wonderful starting point for musical and movement exploration and creation, and fosters independent part singing with a healthy dose of free choice. This book is great for upper-elementary students and is part of David Thaxton’s “Rounds All Around” collection. It also includes a sound recording with all parts, plus a video sing-along that lets singers choose their parts. Sasquatch illustrates the three component songs in 22 pages, plus the speech and percussion part. Verse 1 imaginatively depicts what different species (Sasquatch, Skunk Apes, and Bigfoot) might eat, along with their favorite activities (pounding rocks and bashing trees). Verse 2 is a ponderance of their dietary habits, including an opportunity for scientific discussion of classifying animals as carnivorous, herbivorous, insectivorous, or omnivorous. Finally, the third verse proposes, as many skeptics do, that Bigfoot doesn’t exist and that it is a case of mistaken identity, survivalists too busy sneaking around and hiding in the woods to pay attention to their grooming and hygiene.