Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder: TTBB Choral Octavo

Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder Sheet Music Preview

Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder: TTBB Choral Octavo

Name: Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder: TTBB Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-PO-0003021
Price: 2.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Arr. Robert DeCormier

Item: 00-PO-0003021

Digital Download

$2.95

Minimum order quantity: 20 copies

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Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Lawson-Gould Music Publishers

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 16

SKU: 00-PO-0003021

More about this title

About the Arranger: Robert DeCormier

Robert DeCormier studied conducting at the Juilliard School and built a career spanning classical, popular, and folk music. He served as music director of the New York Choral Society for seventeen years, worked as conductor and arranger for Harry Belafonte, and held the position of music director for Peter, Paul and Mary from 1978 to 2010. He also taught conducting and ensembles at the Eastman School of Music from 1972 to 1977.

DeCormier founded the professional vocal ensemble Counterpoint in 2000, which performed extensively throughout New England and produced six recordings on the Albany Record label. His work as an arranger drew from African-American spirituals, American folk songs, and international repertoire. He received the Vermont Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2002 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New England Choral Arts Foundation in 2006.

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Why we love this

DeCormier's arrangement brings warmth and accessibility to this secular work while maintaining musical integrity. The flexible voicing options (TB/TTB/TBB/TTBB) allow directors to use this piece with changing ensemble sizes throughout the year. His deep roots in American folk and spiritual traditions make this octavo feel both grounded and singable for men's voices.

What to expect

This arrangement carries a conversational, approachable quality grounded in American folk sensibility. The music unfolds with ease, inviting singers to connect with the text while supporting them with clear harmonic scaffolding.

Who it's for

Men's choirs at the high school, college, and community levels seeking quality secular repertoire will find this piece both performable and musically rewarding. The flexible voicing makes it suitable for groups with fluctuating membership or uneven voice distribution.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the harmonic texture by having the lower voices anchor the chordal foundation while upper parts carry the melodic line without oversinging.
Pay attention to DeCormier's articulation markings; they often signal where the narrative or emotional arc shifts within the piece.
Use the flexibility of the voicing to your advantage in rehearsal, assigning parts based on your singers' strengths rather than forcing rigid four-part consistency.

How to use it

Pair this with other DeCormier arrangements or spirituals for a concert focused on American vocal traditions. It works equally well as a season opener (once singers know the piece) or as a confident closer that showcases your ensemble's maturity and musicality.