Pirates of the Cherry Tree: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words by Nanci Milam, music by Penny Rodriguez
Item: 00-PO-0006849
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Pickup currently not available
Description
It's a creative day of play as kids imagine themselves pirates on a grand outdoor adventure. Contemporary poet Nanci Milam pens a colorful course and a compelling cast of characters, with a detailed account of their quest. Composer Penny Rodriguez adds a jaunty compound meter, cheerful minor key, and a few sudden dynamic changes to enhance the drama and capture the spirit. A perfect pairing of music and lyrics, a treasure for younger singers! This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Pirates of the Cherry Tree: 2-Part Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006849
More about this title
About the Composer: Penny Rodriguez
Penny Rodriguez began her musical journey at age 6, learning piano in Peru where her family worked as missionaries. She studied piano performance at Moody/American Conservatory of Music and has maintained a prolific career as a pianist, composer, and recording artist, with eleven albums to her credit.
While her earlier work encompassed numerous piano publications and choral pieces, Rodriguez has increasingly devoted herself to composing art songs that pair solo voice with piano accompaniment, often setting texts from established poetry. She resides in the Indianapolis area and counts time with her grandchildren among her greatest pleasures.
Why we love this
The combination of Milam's vivid storytelling with Rodriguez's rhythmic vitality creates something genuinely engaging for young singers without talking down to them. The compound meter and minor-key setting give the piece musical substance; younger choirs will feel the difference between this and typical easy arrangements. It's exactly the kind of piece that makes kids want to come to rehearsal.
What to expect
The music captures the swaggering mischief of backyard pirates, all dramatic flair and imaginative courage. Minor-key harmonies give it an edge of adventure, while the compound meter bounces along with a rollicking, almost nautical rhythm that keeps the energy aloft.
Who it's for
This piece suits choirs in grades 3-6 who read music confidently and are ready for something with real personality. Directors of younger singers looking for contemporary material that avoids condescension will find this especially valuable.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the compound meter early in rehearsals by having singers tap the beat while you conduct; the jaunty feel depends on that rhythmic security, not speed.
- Shape the dynamic changes deliberately. They're written to heighten drama, so mark exact measures in rehearsal and return to them often.
- Let the storytelling come through the text. Encourage singers to visualize the pirate adventure as they rehearse so the music gains character and energy.
- Pay attention to any key modulations or accidentals that might occur; the minor-key context makes chromatic moments stand out.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener or a mid-program lighter moment to reset audience energy after a serious piece. It pairs well with other contemporary secular titles aimed at young singers, and its theatrical character makes it a natural fit for spring concerts celebrating creativity and play.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and maintaining compound meter signatures
- Singing with accuracy in minor keys
- Executing sudden dynamic changes and sustaining dramatic intent
- Blending two-part harmony with rhythmic precision
- Connecting storytelling and musical expression through text-painting