Flounderin' on the Shoals of Love: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK00375512
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Description
"Cod" almighty, you'll get a chuckle from the anglers in your choir with this clever, country-style salute to fishing lingo! A fun change-of-pace for mixed and male choirs!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00375512
More about this title
About the Composer: Kirby Shaw
Kirby Shaw's influence on choral music extends across six continents, where he has conducted workshops and shared his approach with educators from 45 states and numerous countries including Canada, Australia, Sweden, Italy, and Germany. He holds degrees in Music Education and Choral Composition from San Jose State University and earned his DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. His teaching philosophy combines rigorous musicianship with infectious humor, a combination he has cultivated throughout decades of directing award-winning ensembles.
Shaw's career spans innovative vocal jazz programs at College of the Siskiyous, Colorado State University, and the University of Missouri at Kansas City, as well as his current work directing the Jefferson State Choral Coalition at Southern Oregon University. He has collaborated with vocal luminaries including Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, and Jon Hendricks (who once remarked, "Man, you don't make mistakes!") and serves as a member of Just 4 Kicks, a jazz-focused a cappella quartet. As a composer and arranger with over 2500 published works that have sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide, Shaw's prolific output has earned him multiple ASCAP awards and commissions from prestigious organizations including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Why we love this
Shaw's gift for blending humor with musical substance shines in this fishing-themed novelty number. The country idiom and clever wordplay make it an instant crowd-pleaser while the orchestration keeps singers engaged and entertained throughout rehearsal. Programming a piece this infectious gives your ensemble a chance to have genuine fun together, which students remember long after the concert ends.
What to expect
A coastal breeze mixed with good-natured ribbing. The country style brings warmth and accessibility, while the fishing-themed lyrics spark recognition and laughter the moment listeners catch on. It's the kind of piece where your singers and the audience are in on the same joke together.
Who it's for
Mixed and male choirs seeking a fun, accessible change-of-pace number that doesn't sacrifice musicality. This works equally well for concert showcases, holiday programs, or any performance where you want the audience to leave smiling. Directors with ensembles that enjoy novelty material will find this both entertaining and well-crafted.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the country inflections and vocal character. The humor lands best when singers commit to the stylistic elements rather than treat it as a joke.
- Balance the instrumental accompaniment so the clever lyrics stay audible. The fishing references deserve to land with the audience.
- Use the ensemble's energy in rehearsal to build genuine camaraderie around the material. Let singers feed off each other's enjoyment during run-throughs.
- Shape the phrasing around the fishing lingo rather than strict metric precision. A slight rubato keeps the folksy, conversational feel intact.
How to use it
Slot this between heavier choral works to give your program breathing room and shift the emotional temperature. It pairs naturally with other novelty or folk-inspired pieces and works particularly well in spring concerts or programs celebrating regional culture. Consider using it as a strategic opener if you want to establish rapport with your audience immediately.
Skills your students will build
- Country music phrasing and dialect
- Stylistic authenticity in folk and novelty idioms
- Lyrical clarity and comedic timing
- Balance between ensemble sound and intelligible text