The Teddy Bears’ Picnic • SATB Choir • Children, Animals & Halloween
- The Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Choirworks (Patreon)
- The Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Sheet Music Plus
- The Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Sheet Music Direct
- The Teddy Bears’ Picnic on J.W. Pepper
There’s something wonderfully mischievous about a teddy bear picnic—and this arrangement brings that playful spirit to life with energy, humor, and plenty of opportunities for a choir to have fun. The familiar melody remains at the center, while the choral writing adds color, rhythmic energy, and playful character that invite singers to really get into the story.
A Classic with a Surprisingly Long History
The melody of The Teddy Bears’ Picnic was written by American composer John Walter Bratton in 1907, originally as an instrumental two-step called The Teddy Bear Two-Step. More than two decades later, Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy added the familiar lyrics, turning Bratton’s jaunty instrumental into the woodland adventure we know today.
Since then, the song has become a true popular-music classic, recorded by artists ranging from Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, to Anne Murray, and Jerry Garcia.
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Perfect for More Than Halloween
Although arranged by Taylor for the Timpanogos Singers and first performed as part of the choir’s Halloween concert in October 2025, this arrangement is by no means limited to spooky-season programming. Its whimsical woodland atmosphere makes it a natural choice for children’s concerts, animal-themed programs, family concerts, community concerts, youth choirs, and any program that needs a lively dose of fun. It’s lighthearted, memorable, and just mischievous enough to make audiences smile.
Share Your Performance
I would love to hear your choir perform this piece! Please consider sending me a recording, photos, a copy of your program, or a link to your performance at ryan@choirworks.com.
With your permission, I may share selected recordings, photos, or performance information through Choirworks’ website and social media to help introduce your ensemble to other singers and conductors—and to help other choirs discover this piece. Thank you for giving this work a life beyond the page!