Rakes of Mallow (arr. Larry Moore)

Spirited and driving, with the unmistakable lilt of a traditional reel. The melody has an infectious bounce that players and audiences recognize immediately, yet the harmonic shift in the final section adds just enough sophistication to keep things interesting.

Bands and orchestras building confidence with accidentals and key changes. This works beautifully for Grade 2 ensembles ready to move beyond single-key repertoire without jumping to something difficult.

• Keep the cut time moving with a light, dance-like pulse. This isn't a dirge; it should feel like the pub session it comes from.
• Mark the modulation clearly in rehearsal. Have students identify every C-sharp and G-sharp in the A major section before you play it through.
• Balance the melody against any accompanying voices. The tune should always sing forward, even when other parts fill in harmonies.

Pair this with other folk or world music selections to build a thematic concert. It's also ideal mid-year programming when students have the reading confidence for a key change but you want to stay in accessible territory.

• Reading and performing in cut time
• Identifying and executing accidentals (C-sharps and G-sharps) in context
• Recognizing and playing through modulation between G major and A major
• Maintaining ensemble pulse during a traditional tune with dance-like rhythmic character