A Fisherman's Tale: Interchangeable Woodwind Ensemble Score & Parts
Inspired by the Music of Newfoundland
By Ryan Meeboer
Item: 81-PK-0000047
$25.00
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Description
Using the style of Canadian folk songs from the east coast and the story-telling features of Newfoundland, A Fisherman's Tale is a piece about a trip out into the ocean. The piece opens with the solemn, chorale-like movement "Farewell," as the fisherman leaves his home and family to begin the excursion, and closes with "Return to Harbour," an up tempo movement representing the worker's successful homecoming.
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Additional Details
Series:
Eighth Note Publications
Publisher:
Eighth Note Publications
Page Count:
72
SKU:
81-PK-0000047
Instrumentation:
Interchangeable Woodwind Ensemble
More about this title
About the Composer: Ryan Meeboer
Ryan Meeboer is a composer and educator with a strong connection to Canadian musical traditions, particularly the folk idioms of Atlantic Canada. His work draws heavily on regional storytelling and cultural narratives, translating lived experience into accessible ensemble writing.
Why we love this
Meeboer gives you genuine narrative arc without sacrificing musical substance. The contrast between the contemplative opening and energetic return creates a satisfying emotional journey that audiences feel immediately, and the flexible instrumentation means you can program this regardless of who shows up to rehearsal.
What to expect
The piece unfolds like a sea shanty told in a minor key. You begin in quiet, introspective territory as the fisherman departs, then gradually emerge into brighter, more assured waters as the journey home approaches. The Canadian maritime setting brings salt and seafaring rhythm without leaning on cliché.
Who it's for
Intermediate to advanced woodwind ensembles looking for repertoire with storytelling substance and programming flexibility. Directors who need pieces that work with variable instrumentation will find this especially valuable, and students benefit from music that connects to folk tradition and narrative.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening "Farewell" movement with long, connected phrasing. Think of it as a farewell hymn rather than a concert piece; the solemn quality comes from restraint and breath support, not dynamics alone.
- Balance the ensemble so that melodic lines sing through regardless of which instruments carry them. With interchangeable parts, consistent intonation and blend matter more than who plays what.
- Build momentum gradually into "Return to Harbour." The tempo lift should feel earned by the energy already present in the ensemble, not imposed artificially by the conductor.
How to use it
Pair this with other folk-inspired works to build a concert theme around cultural storytelling, or use it as an anchor for a concert that explores contrasting moods and tempos. The substantial page count and two-movement structure also make it strong centerpiece material for festival competitions.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long-phrase phrasing and breath control in chorale-style writing
- Balancing melody across different instrumental combinations
- Building dramatic momentum across contrasting formal sections
- Interpreting folk idioms with accuracy and warmth
- Ensemble blend and intonation in complex woodwind textures