Fields of Glory: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This songbook captures The High Kings' distinctive approach to Irish traditional music with piano arrangements that support both solo vocalists and ensemble singers. The pairing of well-known folk standards with newer compositions gives you programming flexibility, whether you're building a themed concert or teaching repertoire that bridges tradition and contemporary interpretation.

These arrangements honor the storytelling tradition of Irish folk music while the piano writing grounds each piece in accessible, singable keys. From the spirited rhythm of "The Rocky Road to Dublin" to the reflective beauty of "The Parting Glass," the collection balances energy and intimacy across a range of moods and tempos.

This songbook works for solo vocalists exploring folk repertoire, piano accompanists supporting singers in lessons or recitals, and ensemble directors seeking accessible Irish material for mixed groups. Singers who want to learn the album versions directly from notation will find the chord symbols and piano voicings invaluable for practice and performance preparation.

• Balance the vocal line over the piano part; the chords provide harmonic support but should never obscure the melody or lyrical clarity.
• Use the chord symbols to guide improvisation and accompaniment variations, especially if you're adapting these arrangements for live performance or ensemble contexts.
• Pay attention to the rhythmic character of each piece; Irish folk melodies often sit differently against the piano than popular vocal music, so practice singing through the accompaniment to find the natural phrasing.

Sequence these pieces across a concert to create thematic arcs: open with an energetic jig or reel, move through narrative ballads that showcase lyrical depth, and close with a reflective standard or contemporary folk song. This songbook also works well for sectional rehearsals where singers need to internalize melody and harmony before bringing arrangements to full ensemble.

• Reading piano/vocal/chord notation and interpreting chord symbols in real time
• Maintaining melodic line while tracking harmonic movement in the accompaniment
• Understanding Irish folk melody contours and their rhythmic characteristics
• Adapting phrasing and diction to match traditional and contemporary folk singing styles