Jamaica Farewell: Cello
For a Minimum of Five Steel Drums, Plus Drumset, and Optional Bass Guitar
Traditional / arr. Jeff Moore
Item: 00-PC-0014625_VC1
$3.00
Pickup currently not available
Description
Steel drum bands are becoming increasingly more common in school and community music programs. Students from K--12, to college age and beyond, are experiencing the joy of performing on these Caribbean-created instruments. Compositions and arrangements for the steel drum band have been limited and challenging to obtain . . . until now. Alfred proudly announces Alfred's Steel Drum Ensemble Series, which will address the need for quality steel drum music written for all levels of bands. From elementary/beginning band to high school, college, community, and professional groups, the pieces you are looking for are here, expertly written by educators who have vast experience working with steel drum bands at all levels.
Are you looking for a smooth calypso for your next steel drum band performance? Treat your band and audience to the sound of the islands with the popular traditional Caribbean song, Jamaica Farewell. Jeff Moore has arranged this staple of steel drum band repertoire for lead, double tenor, double second, cello/guitar, bass pans, bass guitar (optional), and drumset.
Are you looking for a smooth calypso for your next steel drum band performance? Treat your band and audience to the sound of the islands with the popular traditional Caribbean song, Jamaica Farewell. Jeff Moore has arranged this staple of steel drum band repertoire for lead, double tenor, double second, cello/guitar, bass pans, bass guitar (optional), and drumset.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Jamaica Farewell: Cello comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred's Steel Drum Ensemble Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
34
SKU:
00-PC-0014625_VC1
Instrumentation:
Steel Drum Ensemble (6+ Players)
More about this title
About the Arranger: Jeff Moore
Jeff Moore is an arranger and educator with extensive experience writing and adapting music for steel drum ensembles across all performance levels. His work in the Alfred's Steel Drum Ensemble Series reflects deep knowledge of the instrumentation, voicing capabilities, and pedagogical needs of beginning through professional steel drum bands.
Why we love this
Moore's arrangement captures the relaxed, rhythmic pulse of a classic Caribbean tune while distributing the parts thoughtfully across the ensemble. The scoring lets every section shine without overwhelming younger or less experienced players, making this an ideal choice for programs introducing steel drum repertoire to their communities.
What to expect
Jamaica Farewell glows with the warm, resonant character of the steel drum sound. The arrangement breathes with island rhythm and simple joy, inviting audiences to imagine ocean breezes and laid-back celebration while remaining musically satisfying for ensemble musicians.
Who it's for
This arrangement suits K-12 programs at all levels, from upper elementary through high school, as well as college and community ensembles exploring Caribbean percussion traditions. It works equally well for groups with one or two rehearsals per week and those with more intensive schedules.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a steady, laid-back groove in the rhythm section before bringing in the melody pans; the calypso lilt depends on relaxed time-keeping rather than rigid precision.
- Balance the lead pan carefully so the melody sits above the harmonic texture without dominating; steel drums project easily in small rooms, so rehearse dynamics early.
- Encourage the double second and cello/guitar parts to lock together rhythmically; their interlocking lines define the harmonic foundation of the arrangement.
- Use the optional bass guitar part to reinforce the bass pan line when available, or rely on the bass pan and drumset interaction if doubling is not possible.
How to use it
Program this as a concert centerpiece or a bridge between seasons when you want to shift energy and celebrate cultural diversity. It pairs naturally with other world music selections or stands alone as a feel-good finale that leaves audiences smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Reading steel drum part assignments and transpositions
- Maintaining steady rhythmic foundation in calypso and Caribbean meters
- Balancing melody and harmony within an unfamiliar ensemble texture
- Responding to conductor cues in a percussion-driven context
- Developing listening skills for interlocking rhythmic lines