Do you want fun and silly recorder songs all elementary students will probably know?
Are you looking to learn how to play one of the most iconic theme songs ever written?
When I was a teenager, SpongeBob Squarepants dropped onto the airwaves and for better or worse altered the way cartoons were done for years.
One of the most fun parts of the show which only recently ended was the simple and catchy theme song.
Early in my music teaching career, my students challenged me to play the theme on the recorder. On figuring it out, I realized it wasn’t too tricky at all and encouraged some of my more talented students to learn it.
It’s still not written out in many places online so I decided to share the SpongeBob recorder sheet music with everyone.
SpongeBob uses low D, E, F#, G, A, and B putting this in the medium-hard category for most songs on the recorder. The sheet music is adapted for use with singing the response and making it easier for everyone to play.
Check out the sheet music below as well as learning and teaching tips.
Table of Contents
SpongeBob Recorder Sheet Music
The following sheet music is adapted for use with younger kids (need fun songs? Check out Baby Shark!) (need fun songs? Check out Baby Shark!). You’ll also need to yell/sing the response “SpongeBob Squarepants”.
Of the theme, the most popular section is the ending where, in the cartoon, SpongeBob plays it on his nose.
This recorder song shouldn’t be taught until the musician is comfortable on low D, E, F#, G, A, and B.
It hops around a lot. But this makes it a great agility and arpeggio exercise.
You may wish to check out 8 easy songs on the recorder.
SpongeBob Theme Lyrics
The lyrics to this theme are classic. If you haven’t done it yet, check it out below.
Leader: Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
Chorus: SpongeBob SquarePants!
Leader: Absorbent and yellow and porous is he
Chorus: SpongeBob SquarePants!
Leader: If nautical nonsense be something you wish
Chorus: SpongeBob SquarePants!
Leader: Then drop on the deck and flop like a fish!
Chorus: SpongeBob SquarePants!
Leader: Ready?!
All to the end: SpongeBob SquarePants!
SpongeBob SquarePants!
SpongeBob SquarePants!
Slower: SpongeBob SquarePants!
Tips For How Do Play SpongeBob On The Recorder
This song isn’t too tricky if you break it down the right way.
This being said, I’ll offer some of my favorite tips for learning this song.
Most of these apply to other recorder songs as well, but some are a must for the SpongeBob song.
- Focus on the ending all by itself.
- Slow down the initial phrase which repeats often.
- Isolate exercises with G to low D.
- Play the phrases without the low Ds if they’re too tricky at first.
Why Learn SpongeBob For The Recorder
It’s fun!
Never underestimate the power of engagement.
Kids love this song and feel extremely proud when they can play it themselves.
They already have the song in their ears.
Half the battle when learning a new song is learning how it’s supposed to sound. If the musician already has an idea of the melody and rhythm from prior experience, students learn it much faster.
Almost all kids will know this melody, so the tricky speed and rhythms will fall into place.
They already know how it’s supposed to go.
Low D. Low D. Low D.
The low D in this song is prevalent and perfect for developing mastery.
A common problem with lower notes on the recorder is how they tend to be slow and clunky when played by beginners.
This is because the notes squeak if played too hard.
The jolly light nature of the song is ingrained in the students.
The repetition in the tune lends itself to good practice.
Agility builder.
Fingers are the hardest part of playing the recorder, and students like to either barely put their fingers down (and miss holes partially) OR mash their fingers down and slow down their ability to play.
By the time you’re ready to learn SpongeBob, you’ve probably developed some of the second group’s habits.
SpongeBob is a great song for busting this habit and making you play quick and light again.
Encourages sharing.
I once taught this song to my college-level students. I was floored at how excited they were to share their new ability with their roommates and friends.
Any chance we get to encourage the spreading of music (even with a silly song like this) is a huge win.
Final Thoughts
Feel free to take this FREE SpongeBob recorder sheet music and learn to play the tune.
For many students, this is one of those songs that will motivate a skeptical older kid to get more serious on the recorder.
Pretty much every kid knows (and probably loves) SpongeBob. Take advantage of this natural interest while you can!
Looking for other sheet music? Check out the affordable catalog at Sheet Music Plus by clicking the link below.
