Tunes for 8 yr olds

[frankbiff]

What tunes would be good for an 8 year old? The method books do not seem to have stuff thats fun and that they want to play. (or do they? what books?) At this age its important to keep their interest and make it fun but some (like my son) like music way beyond there ability and think the simple stuff is boreing or for little kids! Any real music thats both within their ability and interesting and fun to play?
Best if it comes packaged in a book(s).

[Nefertiti]

I write out alot of tunes for the kids.
Happy Birthday is a popular one and they can use it.
Harry Potter
Lord of the Rings
Star Wars
Wizard of Oz
Tequila was a popular one I just handed out
Oye Como Va
The kids love tunes they know but they also love to play tunes there parents know too. I taught them Tequila and their parents went nuts. There's a whole bunch more you can do. Ask them what they want to play.

[saxfella]

:D Definitely movies / TV themes BUT ALSO disco numbers like 'Celebration', 'That's the way I like it'; traditional classical numbers, hornpipes, reggae tunes, calypsos (St Thomas, Everywhere Calypso) - anything that has good rhythm, is reasonably slow and within their range.
Also, encourage them to compose over 12 bar blues !
Simon

[frankbiff]

I was sort of looking for a fake book for kids; no such thing?

[Nefertiti]

I think the best thing to do with your son is to together come up with a list of stuff he wants to play. Then together listen to the recording and figure out the melody, There are assorted books in the music stores but to get one or two good tunes you have to buy a book of 20 not so good songs.

[KSQ]

I was sort of looking for a fake book for kids; no such thing?

There's a fairly new book from the company that publishes The Real Book(the legal one) called The Real Easy Book. Each tune has the head, some pointers on improv techniques (blues scales, basic modes, etc.), a sample bass line, and some simple chord voicings. The band director at one of the middle schools where I teach privately turned me on to this last year, and I had fun using it with some of my students.

[rollen]

Frankbiff,

You didn't specify instrument, so I will assume alto sax.

Here's a few good one's. Depending on his level.

Bob Mintzer "15 Easy Jazz, Blues & Funk Etudes"

Music Minus One "Easy Jazz Duets for Two Alto Saxophones and Rhythm Section"

They are available from SheetMusicPlus.com

My kids just got new Christmas Play-alongs from their teacher. There are some nice arrangements. It includes The Grinch song. I cannot remember the name of the book off hand, but if you are interested, I will get it to you. It has a swing version of Frosty the Snowman