A Seafaring Suite
Roll the Old Chariot * Leave Her, Johnny * Santianna
Traditional Sea Shanties / arr. Jack Zaino
Item: 00-PO-0007148
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
- Assignment, recording, and assessment tools within MakeMusic Cloud
- Part-predominant and accompaniment tracks
- Printable sheet music (with a standard MakeMusic Cloud subscription)
- Correlated rehearsal guides and performance notes
- Rights to perform in a live or virtual setting
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More about this title
About the Composer: Jack Zaino

Jack Zaino is a choral composer and editor based in New England who bridges classical training with contemporary musical tastes. He earned degrees in Voice and Music Education from the University of Connecticut, where he was a founding member of the UConn Chamber Singers, and holds a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the same institution. Before moving into his current role at Alfred Music, he taught middle school music in Connecticut public schools and remains active in the state's choral community.
Zaino's arrangements span popular artists including Kacey Musgraves, Dan + Shay, and Lizzo, reflecting his commitment to finding artistic merit in diverse musical styles. He serves as composition chair on the Connecticut ACDA repertoire and resources committee and on the programming committee for Consonare Choral Community. Connecticut ACDA recognized him as Young Choral Director of the Year in 2020.
Why we love this
Zaino crafts an arrangement that captures the infectious energy of sea shanties without oversimplifying them. The three-part structure keeps singers engaged through contrasting tempos and moods, and the 3.5-minute length makes it ideal for concerts that need both substance and accessibility. The PerformancePlus+ framework transforms this from sheet music into a full rehearsal ecosystem, complete with recorded accompaniment, assessment tools, and performance notes that streamline preparation.
What to expect
A swashbuckling journey that unfolds over three distinct maritime scenes, each with its own rhythmic and emotional signature. The traditional melodies carry an authentic nautical flavor while Zaino's arrangement keeps the sound fresh and energized. Singers experience the excitement of a seafaring adventure without ever leaving the concert hall.
Who it's for
Middle school and high school choirs looking for accessible two-part literature with genuine musical character and contemporary appeal. Ensembles that engage with online music trends and shanty culture will find this arrangement particularly relevant. Directors seeking a shorter, concert-ready piece that balances fun and musicianship will appreciate both the content and the integrated rehearsal resources.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the narrative arc across all three shanties. Since each song shifts the mood and tempo, use the recorded accompaniment to anchor your ensemble through transitions and maintain forward momentum.
- Draw attention to the textual storytelling within each traditional melody. Encourage singers to inhabit the seafaring world; this isn't just accompaniment singing, it's a miniature musical voyage.
- Leverage MakeMusic Cloud's part-predominant tracks during early rehearsals to build confidence in both parts before blending them together.
- Record your own performances and use the assessment tools built into PerformancePlus+ to identify intonation trouble spots and rhythmic inconsistencies before the live performance.
How to use it
Program this as a show-stopping concert opener or a perfect fit for a thematic concert exploring folk traditions, world music, or contemporary popular culture. Its compact length and high-energy character make it an excellent pairing with longer, more introspective pieces on the same program. Consider performing it during spring concerts or pops programs where the audience expects fun, familiar material with musical substance.
Skills your students will build
- Sight-reading traditional melodic material in accessible two-part voicing
- Sustaining character and narrative connection across tempo and mood changes
- Ensemble balance and blend in folk-influenced music
- Confidence singing with recorded accompaniment and part-predominant tracks
- Responsiveness to conductor interpretation in contrasting musical settings