Hot Cross Buns is a classic recorder song that is great for getting students acquainted with B-A-G on the recorder. I also absolutely hate it. So, why not play it in the minor mode? Using C-B-A turns out to be a great way to do so. Students just have to learn C and practice switching between C and B. It’s a great way to get into the Halloween spirit with the recorder!

Lesson Ideas & Extensions

1. Add an Orff Instrumental Accompaniment

Extend the activity by introducing an instrumental accompaniment using barred instruments and classroom percussion with the downloadable Orff Score.

2. Improvise using C-B-A

C-B-A is easy to improvise with. If you add the Orff instruments, have them play their patterns while students improvise using C-B-A. Orff instruments can also improvise using the A minor/Aeolian mode. You can also loop the downloadable background track if you don’t have or don’t want to use Orff instruments.

Downloadable Resources

The following resources are available to support your classroom activities:

• Melody Score (PDF): Sheet music featuring the song’s melody and recorder notes.

• Orff Arrangement (PDF): An instrumental arrangement for classroom performance.

• Full Recording (MP3): An audio recording of the song for listening, practice, or classroom use.

• Background Track (MP3): An accompaniment track for students to sing along with independently