Over the Rainbow
Composer(s):
Music by: Harold Arlen Lyrics by: E. Y. Harburg Arranger: Warren Barker Publisher: Warner Brothers Length: ca. 4:00 Audio
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Potential Challenges for a Young Ensemble
This arrangement should be very approachable by many young bands. There are a few technical demands but the tempo is relatively slow; most students will likely be able to work out the passages with a little time and slow practice. The woodwinds do have a number of sixteenth-note, triplet passages and one septuplet that, given their range, may tax the clarinets technically. Most of these are in unison but the 2nd/3rd clarinets will need to work measure 45 as they are independent and must cross the break in sixteenth notes. The septuplet, in measure 50, also crosses the break but, if that is the only concern, the uppermost note (C5) could be "cheated" using a side fingering as it is approached from Bb4 (all purist clarinet players will now descend on me, breathing fire, I am sure). Intonation could likely be a factor, especially with the number of large leaps. Getting young students to play these large intervals musically is a challenge and getting them in tune is an even bigger one. Focusing on the singing quality of the whole work will be key to not having the upper notes going very sharp. Overall this piece should not pose insurmountable challenges for most ensembles. Playing musically, expressively and, most importantly, remaining behind the solo will be keys to success. |