Composer’s Notes

 

Concert Band, Grade 4

Duration: Approx. 18 minutes total

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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. Each piece includes an ode to at least one traditional shanty or ballad.

 

Cut and Run - 2:30

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Fair Winds and Following Seas - in-progress Spring 2026

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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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