October is here, which means Halloween is creeping closer. Here are 5 ideas to help you (and your cello) celebrate. Be sure to read to the end to download free coloring and activity pages.
1. Treats! Time for You (and Your Cello) to Play Dress-Up
Have you ever played your cello while wearing a costume? Here are some great costume and mask ideas in videos we like:
“Havana” by Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thug – Cover Arranged and Performed by the Brooklyn Duo and Friends
A mask can change everything. Which is your favorite?
The 2CELLOS use beautiful cinematography and wonderful costumes in their Gladiator cover.
Tina Guo plays in beautiful costumes in her Kung Fu Panda cover.
Steven Sharp Nelson (the cellist of the Piano Guys) channels his inner Jedi in this mashup of Star Wars melodies. (Watch out for that mind trick in the closing credits—it really works!)
I still have nightmares about my show choir’s sequinned uniform and having to wear it for a cello solo in a Cole Porter choir concert. I had to put a black shirt over the uniform to keep it from scratching my cello. Too bad I didn’t have something to help keep the sequins from scratching me . . .
Small-Dog Hats = Festive Cello Accessories!
Have you ever dressed your cello up for the holidays? A carefully chosen hat or accessory can add some Halloween spirit to cello lessons and practice time.
This pirate hat is one example we found.
This pirate hat fits a 4/4 cello scroll.
Cat or small dog costumes, particularly hats or head coverings, are most effective. However, sometimes you have to be creative in attaching the costume, as animal ears and cello scrolls are anatomically different.
Another idea is to make your own.
No matter what costume you choose, we invite you to share your cello costume photos with us. Send them via email or tag us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
When selecting a costume, use common sense to choose items that won’t harm your instrument. Always check to make sure that the costume has no rough pieces that will scratch or rub on the cello.
Also, make sure that the costume doesn’t get in the way of playing or tuning. Additionally, be sure not to get in trouble with your conductor or other musicians for disruptive costume accessories, such as bells. (Yes, I’m writing from experience. I was that kid in the cello section.)
2. Tricks! Learn How to Make Halloween Sound Effects on Your Cello
We love this video by Liz, a professional multi-genre cellist in Austin, Texas, from Cellomoji. Watch to learn how to create spooky cello sound effects.
This is a great activity for young cellists and teachers looking for Halloween-themed cello skills. Even if you don’t play the cello, this video is still very entertaining. Which is your favorite? (Please tell us in the comments.)
3. Treats! Listen to Halloween-Themed Music
Get into the Halloween spirit by listening to Halloween-themed cello music.
“Paint it Black” – “Wednesday Plays the Cello” – *ORIGINAL* Arrangement by Cellist Carolyn Hagler
A Stunning Performance of David Popper’s “Elfentanz,” by Gautier Capuçon and the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris conducted by Douglas Boyd
Critical Edition for Cello and Orchestra
Critical Edition for Cello and Piano
“Hedwig’s Theme” from the Harry Potter Series, Performed by GnuS Cello
4. Treats for Cellists! Halloween Music to Play on Your Cello
Get in the Halloween spirit with music for you and/or your students. Virtual Sheet Music has several options for cello and many other instruments as well.
Our favorites are their Halloween Collection for two cellos, rated for intermediate to advanced players, and their Halloween Collection for cello and piano, which comes in an easy or intermediate version.
Each one has about 100 pages, including both parts and title and end pages. You can hear and see samples on their website, so it’s easy to determine which choice is right for you. Click the following link to have a look.
5. Treats! Download and Enjoy the 2023 Cello Museum Coloring and Activity Pages
Feeling creative? Download our free coloring and activity pages for ideas for kids of all ages. Be sure to share your creations and tag us @cellomuseum on our social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) or share with us via email.
Happy Halloween!
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