Down by the Salley Gardens: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Poem by William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) / Traditional Irish Folk Song / arr. Patrick Roszell
Grade: 1 (Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0008285
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Description
The union of this glorious traditional Irish folk song with William Butler Yeats' compelling poem results in an expressive choice. Lyrical in nature, there are musical teaching opportunities for slurring, sustaining phrases, intonation, and dynamic shading. Stunning! (3:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Down by the Salley Gardens: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
128
SKU:
00-PK-0008285
More about this title
About the Composer: William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish poet, playwright, and literary figure who shaped modern Irish culture. Though primarily known for his poetry, Yeats understood the power of language set to traditional melodies, and his work has inspired countless musical settings. His poem "The Salley Gardens" captures the longing and beauty of Irish folk tradition, making it a natural pairing with traditional music.
Why we love this
This arrangement gives Grade 1 bands access to a genuine lyrical experience without overwrought difficulty. Roszell's orchestration highlights the folk melody while creating genuine pedagogical moments around phrase shaping and blend, making it rewarding for both students and audience.
What to expect
Gentle and reflective, with the warmth of a folk melody that seems to unfold naturally. The arrangement respects the song's simplicity while allowing for expressive depth, creating moments of quiet beauty that resonate with listeners.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the beginning level looking for repertoire that teaches musicality without technical complexity. Directors seeking programming that appeals to audiences while developing students' ability to phrase and sustain.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape each phrase with a clear arc, thinking of the text even though you're playing instrumental lines. The poem's emotional arc should guide your dynamic contours.
- Balance the melody against supporting voices carefully; resist the urge to let the accompaniment overtake the song's inherent simplicity.
- Pay close attention to intonation in sustained passages. The lyrical nature demands clean, centered tuning from all sections.
- Let the ensemble hear the tempo pulse without rushing; the 3:00 length allows time for the melody to breathe between sections.
How to use it
Program this as a spring concert opener or closer to set a lyrical, contemplative mood. It pairs well alongside other folk-based literature or serves as an effective transition piece between more demanding works, giving both audience and ensemble a moment of connection.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long phrases with consistent air support
- Shaping dynamic lines and responding to expressive direction
- Blending sustained notes across sections for clean intonation
- Understanding the relationship between text and instrumental expression