Alexander's Ragtime Band Cover Image

Alexander's Ragtime Band: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

$27.99 USD
$27.99 USD
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Alexander's Ragtime Band Cover Image
Alexander's Ragtime Band: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Alexander's Ragtime Band: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Music by Irving Berlin / arr. Philip Kern

Item: 00-21761
$27.99
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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
UPC: 038081211541
SKU: 00-21761

More about this title

About the Composer: Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin (1888-1989) composed some of the most enduring popular songs in American music history, with a catalog spanning Broadway musicals, film scores, and standards that remain central to vocal repertoire across genres. Self-taught as a musician, Berlin wrote both music and lyrics, developing a gift for accessible melodies and clever, witty wordplay that connected immediately with audiences. His influence on American songwriting extends far beyond his own era; his work appears regularly in choral arrangements, jazz ensembles, and educational settings because the songs themselves are built on strong melodic lines and clear harmonic structures.

Why we love this

Philip Kern's arrangement captures the infectious energy of this 1911 classic while keeping the choral writing straightforward enough for community and school choirs to manage confidently. The recorded accompaniment lets singers focus on capturing the ragtime swagger and comedic spirit of the piece rather than wrestling with tricky rhythmic patterns, and the novelty number context gives students permission to have real fun with the performance.

What to expect

Effervescent and playful, with the bounce and sass of early 20th-century American popular music. The ragtime foundation gives it a spirited, slightly tongue-in-cheek quality that invites singers and audiences alike to smile and tap their feet.

Who it's for

Community choirs, school choirs at the intermediate to advanced level, and any ensemble looking for a crowd-pleasing novelty number with genuine musical substance. The arrangement works for mixed voices and suits groups comfortable with syncopated rhythmic material and a performance style that honors the piece's theatrical roots.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lean into the swagger. Ragtime rhythms sit best when singers embrace a slight syncopated feel rather than playing it safe on the beat.
  • Balance the recorded accompaniment so it supports without drowning out the voices. The charm lives in the singers' interpretation of the text and rhythm.
  • Emphasize clean articulation on offbeat syllables to let the ragtime character shine through the choral texture.

How to use it

Program this as a concert opener to set an upbeat, entertaining tone, or pair it with other American standards and novelty numbers to create a "Great American Songbook" set. The recorded accompaniment makes it practical for spring concerts, gala events, or any program where you want a moment of pure entertainment between more serious works.

Skills your students will build

  • Syncopated rhythm reading and execution in ragtime context
  • Stylistic awareness of early 20th-century American popular music
  • Ensemble blend and balance with recorded accompaniment
  • Articulation and diction clarity in fast-moving, rhythmically active material

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