Old Joe Clark: SAB Choral Octavo
Traditional American Folk Song / arr. Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0005801
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Description
This extraordinary arrangement of the traditional American folk song belongs in every choral library! An urgent "round and around" vocal motive serves as a rhythmic engine throughout the entire piece as the modal melody gets playfully tossed from voice to voice in a variety of styles, but always with class, creativity, and good humor.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0005801
More about this title
About the Arranger: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin is an ASCAP award-winning composer and arranger whose choral works have been performed at major concert halls across North America, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Ryman Auditorium, as well as international venues from Sydney Opera House to Royal Festival Hall in London. Beyond his conducting and composing work, Gilpin serves as Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press and has expanded his professional practice into organizing and financial coaching, drawing recognition on network television and the documentary series "Hoarders."
Gilpin's creative reach extends across multiple media. In 2021, he composed the score for the award-winning short film "Rosie's Rescue" and collaborated with soprano Angela Brown on a new arrangement of "What Child is This?" that premiered with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. He holds membership in ACDA, NAfME, and SAG-AFTRA, and is a Life Loyal Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the restless energy of a folk tune without ever losing sight of musicality or humor. The perpetual rhythmic motive anchors the piece while the melody darts between voices, creating constant forward momentum that makes rehearsal fun and keeps audiences engaged from first note to last. It's the kind of piece that teaches your singers how to listen to each other while delivering a performance that feels both polished and genuinely spirited.
What to expect
Buoyant and infectious, with a rhythmic pulse that propels the piece forward relentlessly. The arrangement tosses the melody playfully between sections like a folk tune at a social gathering, creating moments of genuine lightness that never sacrifice musical integrity.
Who it's for
Treble and lower voice choirs seeking a folk-based piece that combines accessibility with musical substance. It works equally well for contest and concert settings, and the SAB voicing makes it practical for choirs with limited lower voice depth.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the "round and around" vocal motive absolutely locked in the rhythm section; this propulsive engine drives the entire arrangement and requires precision from whoever carries it.
- Balance the melody exchanges between voice parts carefully so each new entry feels like a natural handoff rather than a solo moment, maintaining the circular quality Gilpin intended.
- Don't let the playful character mask the musical detail; the variety in styles across sections requires thoughtful attention to articulation and phrasing shifts.
- Trust the arrangement's humor and energy; this piece asks your singers to enjoy the text and the interplay, so encourage them to perform with genuine warmth and personality.
How to use it
Place this on a concert as a contrast piece after something more introspective; its spirited character and accessible folk roots make it ideal for building audience connection in the second half of a program. It also shines in festival competitions where the combination of clear musical writing and engaging performance appeal shows off your ensemble's versatility.
Skills your students will build
- Trading melodic lines between voice parts with precision and awareness
- Maintaining rhythmic consistency while executing style changes
- Balancing independence with ensemble awareness in imitative writing
- Performing folk material with both musical refinement and genuine character