New Rock-a-Baby video invites young children to march, move and explore “up” and “down” through music.
LINCOLN, R.I. – 7/30/26 – Rock-a-Baby, the Rhode Island-based children’s music program, will premiere a new animated interpretation of the classic nursery song “The Grand Old Duke of York” on Friday, July 31st at 8:00 am.
Created in collaboration with Rhode Island animator Alex Salsberg of PokeGravy Studios, the video follows the excessively enthusiastic Duke as he orders his ten thousand increasingly annoyed soldiers to march up and down the same hill… again and again.
Watching the commotion are Rock-a-Baby’s puppet characters Rhythm, Melody and Harmony, along with a group of delighted children who get to enjoy the soldiers’ predicament from a safe distance.
Beyond its humor, the video encourages toddlers and preschoolers to participate physically by marching, standing up and sitting down. The song’s repetition also helps introduce young children to the directional concepts of “up” and “down” through music and movement.
“Children learn so much when music invites them to participate instead of simply watch,” said Rock-a-Baby founder Marc Trachtenberg. “We wanted to make something funny and visually exciting that would get children moving, singing and anticipating what comes next. Alex understood the humor immediately and created a world that feels completely at home with Rock-a-Baby.”
The video combines Rock-a-Baby’s music, performers and familiar puppet characters with Salsberg’s playful animation. The collaboration grew from a shared interest in making entertainment that engages children without talking down to them, and gives their grownups something to enjoy as well.
“The Grand Old Duke of York” will premiere on Rock-a-Baby’s YouTube channel on Friday, July 31st at 8:00 am.
Watch the premiere: https://youtu.be/ohhv5wTSDzs
