SKU: ST.C129

ISBN 9790570811298.

As I sit myself down to write this brief foreword, I ask myself can there be music more stirring than these old Cornish folk melodies? Though not Cornish myself (I confess to being born a little further up the road, in Bristol), I feel I have spent sufficient time in these 'ere parts to resonate with the sturdy brass band tradition that continues to permeate this incomparably beautiful, rugged county. One can almost detect a French 'accent' when listening to the piano music of Debussy, and likewise, speaking as a lapsed brass player, there is undoubtedly something of the Cornish twang about Trelawny when played on a cornet or euphonium. Then again, one gets a different, yet entirely convincing effect upon hearing these melodies rendered on woodwind instruments; hence, with a little gamesmanship on my part, I am pleased to see my collection of these fifteen delectable ditties come to fruition in the form of arrangements for treble clef brass instruments (in B flat and E flat), trombone and tuba (bass clef), horn in F, flute, clarinet and bassoon. While many will find themselves humming the likes of Going up Camborne Hill, Lamorna or The Helston Furry Dance even before they have turned to the first page - for these are indelibly intertwined with Cornish culture – I wonder if I might draw your attention to The Cornish Squire, The Pool of Pilate and Cold Blows the Wind Today Sweetheart, which are quite simply sublime melodies, perhaps needing that extra bit of help in bringing them to mind nowadays. In the best tradition of musical hand-me-downs, Cornish folk music works equally ideally sung and played, and only by doing so on a regular basis can such traditions hope to continue forward with vigour and authority. A legitimate way of achieving this is to revitalise the harmonic scheme of these ancient tunes and bring them up to date for a modern audience; after all, it was such an approach that fuelled the imagination of Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughan Williams in decades past, while skilfully paying homage to the underlying charm and, for want of a better word, simplicity, of the original music. But this is only a start – for without an energetic response from younger generations, Cornish folk music is destined to wither on the vine in much the same way as is happening with the Cornish dialect. So, put your instrument to your lips and proceed, not with caution, but with enthusiasm and a smile, for your great grandparents (and perhaps even their grandparents) would surely raise a glass if they could hear you doing your bit to ensure the survival of this splendid heritage.
Timeless Cornish melodies, cooked up for hungry clarinet players
Grades 1–4
Former Spartan Press Cat. No.: SP1218.

SKU: AP.47638

UPC: 038081543314. English.

A folk-infused ballad celebrating the miracle of Hanukkah. Originally recorded by 90s pop sensation Lisa Loeb, this reflective change-of-pace choral features a rhythmic yet mellow accompaniment and straightforward but expressive vocal parts. Whether you perform with the guitar-inspired piano part, the optional SoundTrax CD, or a folk ensemble of your own, this is truly a special touch for holiday concerts.

Because of changes in our school's schedule and the taking away of the music requirement in 7th and 8th grade, our choir numbers have dropped significantly. Searching for music that has educational value and that the choir will sound good on (we know that's important for the parents and faculty) I came across Light arranged by Andy Beck. This quickly became a favorite of my choir! The kids are excited to rehearse it every day and the sound they are achieving fits the folk-like feel of the piece.

We are using the 2-Part version. Being 7th and 8th graders, of my nine boys, three are unchanged voices (singing alto as written) and my other six are in varying stages of voice change. Those six are bouncing back and forth between alto and soprano parts, singing them down an octave.

Thank you for providing a great piece for the holiday season!

Matt Albrecht
Choir Director
Copley-Fairlawn Middle School

About Alfred Pop Choral Series

The Alfred Pop Series features outstanding arrangements of songs from the popular music genre. These publications provide exciting, contemporary, and educationally-sound arrangements for singers of all ages, from elementary through high school, to college and adult choirs.

SKU: AP.47641

UPC: 038081543345. English.

A folk-infused ballad celebrating the miracle of Hanukkah. Originally recorded by 90s pop sensation Lisa Loeb, this reflective change-of-pace choral features a rhythmic yet mellow accompaniment and straightforward but expressive vocal parts. Whether you perform with the guitar-inspired piano part, the optional SoundTrax CD, or a folk ensemble of your own, this is truly a special touch for holiday concerts.

Because of changes in our school's schedule and the taking away of the music requirement in 7th and 8th grade, our choir numbers have dropped significantly. Searching for music that has educational value and that the choir will sound good on (we know that's important for the parents and faculty) I came across Light arranged by Andy Beck. This quickly became a favorite of my choir! The kids are excited to rehearse it every day and the sound they are achieving fits the folk-like feel of the piece.

We are using the 2-Part version. Being 7th and 8th graders, of my nine boys, three are unchanged voices (singing alto as written) and my other six are in varying stages of voice change. Those six are bouncing back and forth between alto and soprano parts, singing them down an octave.

Thank you for providing a great piece for the holiday season!

Matt Albrecht
Choir Director
Copley-Fairlawn Middle School

About Alfred Pop Choral Series

The Alfred Pop Series features outstanding arrangements of songs from the popular music genre. These publications provide exciting, contemporary, and educationally-sound arrangements for singers of all ages, from elementary through high school, to college and adult choirs.