An Olde English Laughing Tune: Flute, Trio, Score and Parts

Lighthearted and playful, with the nostalgic charm of period English music filtered through a modern compositional voice. The sixteenth-note figures bubble along with a kind of jaunty energy that keeps the piece moving without demanding virtuosity.

Junior high flute trios preparing for contests or concerts. The balanced difficulty across all three parts makes it ideal for ensembles where players have comparable skills and experience.

• Establish a steady tempo at quarter note = 80 before rehearsals begin; the sixteenth-note passages need rhythmic clarity and predictability to land the humor.
• Balance the three parts carefully during rehearsals so the melodic line registers clearly without one flutist dominating the texture.
• Articulate the comedic intent through phrasing and light tonguing; an Olde English character suggests playful delivery rather than straight classical approach.

Program this as a contest entry or as part of a concert showcasing chamber works from your middle school ensemble. The title and character make it an accessible opener that engages audiences while giving three students a genuine collaborative performance opportunity.

• Reading and executing sixteenth-note rhythms at a moderate tempo
• Balancing three equal melodic lines in an ensemble setting
• Maintaining steady tempo and rhythmic precision across a trio
• Interpreting stylistic character (Olde English/period style) through articulation and phrasing