Auld Lang Syne: SAB Choral Book

Name: Auld Lang Syne: SAB Choral Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 12-0571523471
Price: 3.99 USD
Availability: InStock

And Other Classic Scottish Melodies

Arr. Alexander L'Estrange

Item: 12-0571523471

$3.99

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The arrangement of the title song. Auld Lang Syne is a bit of a show-stopper with several other Scottish melodies woven in, and this is complemented by a beautiful adaptation of perhaps Scotland's most famous melody, The Skye Boat Song. The final song within this collection is Afton Water, first published or collected by Robbie Burns, the great Scottish poet - it is a gentle, lyrical hymn of praise both to the countryside and to Scotland itself.

Choral Basics is a recently created series that offers straightforward and rewarding repertoire for the beginner choir. Perfect for singers of all ages, the series offers simple 3-part choral arrangements for soprano, alto and a combined male voice part. Consultant editor Alexander L'Estrange has brought together an array of repertoire including world music, spirituals, pop classics, show hits and original pieces. Carefully considered for the level, the arrangements pay particular attention to breathing, vocal ranges and technique whilst straightforward piano accompaniments support the vocal lines.

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Series: Faber Edition: Choral Basics

Publisher: Faber Music

ISBN10: 0-571-52347-1

ISBN13: 978-0-571-52347-4

UPC: 9780571523474

SKU: 12-0571523471

Instrumentation: with Piano

More about this title

About the Arranger: Alexander L'Estrange

Alexander L'Estrange is a choral arranger and music educator whose work centers on making repertoire accessible to singers at all levels. He has served as consultant editor for the Faber Edition Choral Basics series, curating and arranging music that balances musical integrity with pedagogical clarity.

L'Estrange's arrangements prioritize vocal health and musicianship, paying close attention to breathing points, range considerations, and technique within achievable material. His work spans world music, spirituals, pop standards, and traditional songs, reflecting his belief that beginner choirs deserve music that is both rewarding to sing and genuine in artistry.

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Why we love this

This collection lets you program a full Scottish showcase without requiring your singers to leap into complex voicing or taxing ranges. L'Estrange has woven three beloved melodies together while keeping the piano part supportive rather than decorative, which means your accompanist can focus on holding the ensemble steady while singers find their confidence.

What to expect

This arrangement carries the warmth of Scottish tradition without sentimentality. The opening has the convivial, communal feeling of a gathering, while The Skye Boat Song brings lyrical beauty and Afton Water settles the collection into quiet reflection. The piano sits comfortably beneath the voices throughout, creating an intimate rather than grand atmosphere.

Who it's for

Beginner and developing choirs of mixed ages will find this collection approachable and musically satisfying. The three-part SAB voicing removes the complexity of four-part writing while the straightforward piano accompaniment allows singers to concentrate on phrasing, blend, and storytelling rather than survival.

How to get the most out of it

Treat the medley structure as three distinct songs with their own character rather than one continuous piece. Mark clear phrase boundaries between Auld Lang Syne, The Skye Boat Song, and Afton Water so singers understand where breath and energy reset.
Pay attention to the vocal ranges specified in the arrangement. Use the piano part as a tuning reference, especially where soprano and alto lines diverge or where the male voice part sits lower than expected.
Let the lyrics of Afton Water shape the final section's tempo and dynamics. This gentle hymn requires restraint after the more robust opening melodies, so rehearse the shift in mood deliberately.

How to use it

Program this as a winter or holiday concert centerpiece that celebrates folk tradition rather than religious observance. The three-piece structure also works well as a standalone concert or as the closing set of a longer program, giving your singers a chance to shine while audiences enjoy songs they often know by heart.