I'm Seventeen Come Sunday: Score
Based on the Arrangement by Percy Aldridge Grainger
Traditional British Folk Song / arr. Michael Story
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PR-0006183
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Description
A fabulous selection for contest or festival, this versatile piece is a sure winner. Based on the Percy Grainger arrangement of the well-known folk song, this setting by Michael Story can be performed by string orchestra alone or with any combination of winds and percussion, up to full orchestra. The first statement of the melody may be played as a solo or by as many 1st violins as are appropriate for your group. 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, I'm Seventeen Come Sunday: Score 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 Intermediate String/Full Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
196
SKU:
00-PR-0006183
More about this title
About the Arranger: Michael Story
Michael Story is a prolific composer and arranger whose work spans orchestral, band, and choral settings. His arrangements are known for their flexibility and accessibility, making them favorites in school music programs across the country. Story has a gift for preserving the character of source material while opening it up to ensembles of varying sizes and instrumentation.
Why we love this
Story's approach here respects Grainger's orchestral sensibilities while building in genuine flexibility. You can perform this with strings alone, add winds gradually, or go full orchestra depending on your instrumentation that week. The option to feature your first violins on the opening statement gives soloists a moment without ever feeling like a traditional concerto.
What to expect
Warm and straightforward, with the character of a traditional country tune given gentle orchestral dress. The Grainger DNA runs through it, there's a touch of sophistication without pretense, and moments of real orchestral color that feel earned rather than overdone.
Who it's for
Any orchestra program with a mixed instrumentation and flexible ensemble sizes. Contest and festival directors appreciate the straightforward structure and musical substance. This works equally well as a concert opener or a competition selection.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody carefully if you're opening with first violins as soloists. These players need support from the inner voices, not a completely transparent accompaniment, so their sound carries naturally.
- Treat the folk melody with singing tone throughout. Even at Grade 2.5, this piece asks for legit phrasing rather than mechanical articulation.
- Adjust your orchestration strategically between sections. Mark exactly which winds and percussion enter where, and make those decisions based on your specific group's strengths.
How to use it
Program this early in the concert season to establish confidence in your musicians while testing different orchestration combinations. It's also a smart choice for contest because the arrangement showcases standard orchestra repertoire expectations without requiring extensive technical preparation from your ensemble.
Skills your students will build
- Arranging awareness and how folk material adapts across different instrumentations
- Blend and balance in mixed ensemble contexts
- Solo violin technique and phrasing within an ensemble setting
- Legit singing tone across the full range of instruments
- Reading parts that shift between tutti and limited instrumentation