Tips for a Musical Halloween
by • October 2, 2015 • General, School-Aged • 0 Comments
With Halloween quickly approaching, we wanted to share some non-traditional ideas to make your Halloween a bit more musical and inclusive. You see, many of the clients we work with have very specific diets due to food allergies and other sensitivities. Snickers, lollipops, Mounds, or Nerds are not an option for some kids. And even if they are, wouldn’t it be great to be that “cool” house that has unique treats on Halloween night?
Have you heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project? It is a campaign by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to raise awareness of food allergies and promote inclusion for all trick-or-treaters. Basically, if you are offering non-food treats, paint a pumpkin teal and set it in front of your house. This will serve as a sign for trick-or-treaters that may need non-traditional options. For more information about the campaign and further details on how to participate, check out their website.
Non-Food, Musical Trick-or-Treat Goodies
Skull Whistles: We gave these out at my house last year, and they were a BIG hit!
Assorted Noisemakers: If you are looking to provide options, this package comes with lots instruments including kazoos, maracas, clappers, and much more!
Jack O’ Lantern Ball Drums: These would be a great if you are looking for something to supplement candy!
Halloween Whistles: These are less scary looking than the Skull Whistles mentioned above, so they may be better for younger “monsters.”
All of the above mentioned items have small parts and may not be appropriate for very young children.
Halloween Playlist
I grew up in a log cabin in the woods, and we did not skimp on the halloween decorations! We cobwebbed our entire front porch, hung ghosts from the trees, and, of course, played spoooooky music. The music was always a favorite of mine; no surprise there! Here are some songs and collections to get you in the spirit and maybe spook some trick-or-treaters in the process.
The Classical Halloween Collection – Classical Music of Doom, Dread, and All Things Wicked
The Monster Mash – Bobby Pickett
Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon
I Put a Spell on You – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
Purple People Eater – Sheb Wooley
La Danse macabre – Camille Saint-Saens
What’s on your Halloween playlist?
