Making a Paper Airplane: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0001285
$1.80
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
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).
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0001285
More about this title
About the Composer: Andy Beck
Andy Beck serves as Director of Choral Publications at Alfred Music, overseeing a catalog of more than 450 choral works, vocal resources, and children's musicals. His compositions and arrangements span every age and skill level, and his influence extends through educational resources like Sing at First Sight, Foundations in Choral Sight Singing, and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique. A trained tenor with degrees in Music Education from Ithaca College and Northwest Missouri State University, Beck has been a fixture in Alfred's studio recording sessions since 1992.
Beyond the page, Beck maintains an active presence as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for music educators across the country and internationally. He has served as commissioned composer and guest conductor for honor choirs throughout the Southeast, and his music reaches singers of all ages through performances worldwide. His work with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir and in musical theatre production reflects his genuine investment in choral artistry and music literacy education.
Why we love this
This piece works because it does exactly what it promises: the lyrics literally guide your singers through paper airplane construction, and the payoff—tossing finished planes from the risers—creates a moment of pure joy that audiences remember. Beck captures the spirit of childhood exploration without sacrificing musicality, giving you a 2-part octavo that's both engaging and genuinely fun to teach.
What to expect
Playful and inventive, with the gentle charm of a childhood memory set to music. The piece captures wonder and hands-on discovery, delivering genuine entertainment value while keeping the vocal writing accessible and supportive for developing 2-part singers.
Who it's for
This octavo works beautifully for middle school and high school choirs seeking repertoire that engages audiences without talking down to singers. It's equally at home in concert programming, elementary school assembly performances, or as a finale piece that leaves the audience smiling.
How to get the most out of it
- Have singers fold their planes during the final rehearsals so the action feels natural and integrated, not rushed or awkward during performance.
- Keep the text clear and rhythmically precise throughout; the humor lands when listeners can actually follow the construction steps in real time.
- Coordinate the plane toss as a final ensemble gesture rather than individual throws, which keeps the moment unified and controlled on stage.
How to use it
Close a concert with this piece when you want the final impression to be joyful and unexpected. The interactive element and visual payoff make it an excellent anchor for a family concert or a community event where audience engagement matters. It also pairs well with other lighthearted secular repertoire as part of a thematic concert about childhood or creativity.
Skills your students will build
- Following lyrical instruction and choreography while singing
- Maintaining independent 2-part harmony through rhythmic dialogue
- Clarity and articulation in text delivery for comedic timing
- Ensemble synchronization and unified gesture