Dashing Away With The Smoothing Iron (arr. John Leavitt): TTB Choral Octavo

Leavitt captures the playful character of this folk tune without losing sight of the text's humor. The TTB scoring sits naturally for male voices while the arrangement itself stays engaging for singers and audiences alike.

Spirited and lighthearted, with the tongue-in-cheek charm of a folk song that doesn't take itself too seriously. The arrangement supports the text's humor while maintaining musical integrity throughout.

Male choirs and mixed ensembles with strong tenor sections looking for secular concert material with personality. Works equally well as a festival selection or a concert-closer that leaves audiences smiling.

• Keep the rhythmic momentum light and conversational; let the comedic nature of the text breathe rather than pushing for dramatic intensity.
• Balance the three parts carefully so the melody remains clear while harmonic interest builds underneath.
• Attend to diction crisply, especially on final consonants, so the wit of the lyrics lands with the audience.

Perfect for pairing alongside other folk or humorous arrangements in a concert set, or as a festival entry that showcases your ensemble's versatility and charm. The five-page length makes it manageable for groups with moderate rehearsal time.

• Part independence in three-voice writing
• Stylistic sensitivity to secular choral repertoire
• Comic timing through text declamation
• Balance and blend in TTB voicing