Ep 11. Bobby McFerrin Sings the Alphabet
- December 5, 1988
In Sesame Street season 20 episode 11, viewers are treated to a musical extravaganza featuring the one and only Bobby McFerrin. As the title suggests, the focus of the episode is on the alphabet and McFerrin's unique take on singing it.
The episode begins with Maria and some of the Sesame Street gang happily singing the ABC's. As they finish, they notice a familiar face approaching - Bobby McFerrin. The group is overjoyed to meet him, and he joins in their singing. McFerrin quickly impresses everyone with his vocal skills, adding flourishes and his own spin to the familiar tune.
As the gang talks with McFerrin, they realize his love of making music and how he can create sounds with his voice they’ve never heard before. He explains that music is all around us and can be made in many different ways. McFerrin begins to demonstrate his ability to use his voice as a musical instrument, imitating sounds like drums, trumpets, and even a siren. This leaves the characters in awe and inspires them to find the music in everyday objects around them.
Encouraged by McFerrin’s words, the Sesame Street gang begin to investigate and experiment with sounds of their own. They discover that the sound of wind blowing through a fence produces a beautiful whistle, that knocking on a metal trash can makes a cool beat, and that tapping on different surfaces can create an array of sounds. As they explore and experiment, McFerrin joins in and helps them create beautiful music.
The highlight of the episode is when McFerrin finally sings the alphabet. He explains that while everyone knows the tune, he wants to add his own special spin. Starting with the letter A, he begins to vocalize, creating a smooth, jazzy melody that is uniquely his own. The Sesame Street gang, watching and listening in awe, join in on the singing, creating a beautiful harmony with McFerrin.
Throughout the rest of the episode, McFerrin works with the gang, teaching them various vocal techniques like humming and whistling. The children are in complete awe and are thrilled to learn from such a talented musician. Together, they experiment with different sounds and rhythms, creating a fun and playful atmosphere.
As the episode comes to a close, McFerrin and the gang all join together for one final performance. They create a beautiful rendition of “It’s a Small World” using only their voices and everyday objects around them. The Sesame Street gang is thrilled with what they’ve learned and the joy of making music together.
Overall, Sesame Street season 20 episode 11 is a fun and musical adventure that is sure to delight viewers of all ages. With the help of Bobby McFerrin, the children of Sesame Street are empowered to find the music all around them and to create beautiful melodies with their own voices. It's a heartwarming episode that demonstrates the power of music to bring people together and inspire creativity.
