Composer’s Notes

 

Concert Band, Grade 4

Duration: Approx. 17:15

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Like a true anthology, Tales of a Shantyman may be performed in part or in its entirety. The order can be any, and the songs are organized alphabetically only for ease of reference. The anthology gives several nods to historical shanties and ballads, including:

Drunken Sailor, Hanging Johnny, Mingulay Boat Song (trad. Gaelic melody), Eternal Father Strong to Save, Blow the Man Down, Haul Away Joe, Loch Lomond, and Lowlands Away.

 

Cut and Run - 2:30

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Fair Winds and Following Seas - 3:00

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Tall Tale - 3:45

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"The wind that blows, the ship that goes, and the lass that loves a sailor" - 4:00

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Until the Bitter End - 4:00

Includes a call for Boatswain's Whistle, a traditional, nautical whistle. The call is also cued in the piccolo part.

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Instrumentation

Piccolo

​Flute 1, 2

Oboe

Bassoon

Clarinet 1, 2, 3

Bass Clarinet

Alto Saxophone 1, 2

Tenor Saxophone

Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet 1, 2, 3

Horn 1, 2

Trombone 1, 2

Euphonium

Tuba

Timpani

Percussion* 1, 2, 3, 4

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*Differing instrumentation by movement

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Tales of a Shantyman was premiered on September 27, 2026 by the

Osher School of Music Wind Ensemble (USM) under the direction of

Dr. William Kinne.