Making a Paper Airplane: 2-Part Choral Octavo

$1.80 USD

Making a Paper Airplane: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Name: Making a Paper Airplane: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-37940
Price: 1.80 USD
Availability: InStock

Words and music by Andy Beck

Item: 00-37940

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Follow the instructions in the lyrics closely; they actually make a paper plane, which could be tossed from the risers at the song's conclusion. A delightfully creative feature that captures the innocence of childhood. Accompaniment available on PianoTrax 4 CD (00-35870).

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Making a Paper Airplane: 2-Part Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081424125

SKU: 00-37940

More about this title

About the Composer: Andy Beck

Andy Beck leads choral publications at Alfred Music, where he oversees a catalog of over 450 works ranging from secular choruses to children's musicals and vocal resources. His contributions to music education extend beyond composition into pedagogy; he authored Sing at First Sight, Foundations in Choral Sight Singing, and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique, all widely adopted by directors seeking to strengthen vocal fundamentals.

Beyond the page, Beck maintains an active presence as guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator across the United States and internationally. He holds degrees in Music Education from Ithaca College and Northwest Missouri State University, and his work with honor choirs and all-state ensembles reflects his commitment to choral artistry at every level. A tenor himself, he performs with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir and has served as a studio singer for Alfred since 1992.

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Why we love this

This piece captures something genuine about how young singers experience music: it's not just something to perform, it's something to *do*. The integration of paper airplane construction into the lyrics creates a natural, playful arc that holds attention throughout rehearsal and performance. Most importantly, it accomplishes this without sacrificing musical substance; the 2-part writing sits comfortably for developing ensembles while the creative staging earns real applause.

What to expect

Playful and purposeful. The piece captures childhood curiosity and physical joy without being saccharine or condescending. There's lightness in the accompaniment and lyrics, yet the 2-part voicing creates real harmonic substance that singers respect, making the experience feel both fun and genuinely musical.

Who it's for

Elementary and middle school choirs seeking repertoire that genuinely engages young singers beyond traditional concert performance. This works beautifully for programs that value creative expression and student participation; it's equally effective as a community concert opener or a school assembly feature.

How to get the most out of it

Establish clear, steady tempo in rehearsal before students attempt to fold during the piece. Once the rhythm feels automatic, folding becomes a natural counterpoint to singing rather than a distraction.
Teach the vocal line first in isolation, then layer in the physical choreography. This builds confidence and ensures the singing isn't abandoned when students transition from page to paper.
Plan the final toss strategically. Brief your students beforehand on the trajectory and landing zone so the moment lands cleanly without chaos or safety concerns.

How to use it

Open a spring or end-of-year concert with this to set a warm, accessible tone and pull the audience into the performance from the first moment. It's also a confident choice for elementary school assemblies or community outreach events where you want to showcase choral singing that's joyful and memorable without requiring extensive solo talent.