Red River Valley: SATB Choral Octavo
American Folk Song / arr., with new words and music, by Jack Zaino
Item: 00-PO-0007310
$2.30
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Lilting and lovely, this is a fresh, contemporary take on the traditional. It's the beloved American folk song with light syncopation, a few updated lyrics, and a newly composed refrain.
The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
- Assignment, recording, and assessment tools within MakeMusic Cloud
- Part-predominant and accompaniment tracks
- Printable sheet music (with a standard MakeMusic Cloud subscription)
- Correlated rehearsal guides and performance notes
- Rights to perform in a live or virtual setting
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral - PerformancePlus+
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007310
More about this title
About the Arranger: Jack Zaino
Jack Zaino brings classroom experience and scholarly training to his work as a choral editor and clinician at Alfred Music. His background spans middle school teaching in Connecticut public schools, a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut, and degrees in Voice and Music Education from UConn, where he was a founding member of the Chamber Singers.
Zaino's arranging philosophy centers on finding artistry in contemporary and popular music. His published work spans artists from Kacey Musgraves to Lizzo, and he actively shapes the choral landscape through his roles as composition chair for Connecticut ACDA's repertoire committee and programming committee member for Consonare Choral Community. In 2020, Connecticut ACDA recognized him as Young Choral Director of the Year.
Why we love this
Zaino respects the folk tradition while giving it room to breathe. The addition of contemporary syncopation and a newly composed refrain transforms what could be a straightforward arrangement into something that engages modern singers without losing the song's essential warmth. Pairing this with PerformancePlus+ resources means your rehearsals gain structure and your singers get meaningful feedback tools built into the learning process.
What to expect
Warm and approachable, with just enough rhythmic lift to feel current. The syncopation never overwhelms the melody's gentle character, and the new refrain adds a moment of surprise that rewarding to execute when it clicks.
Who it's for
Directors seeking genuine folk repertoire that reflects how singers actually experience music today. This works equally well for high school choirs, community ensembles, and contest/festival programs where a well-crafted traditional arrangement still makes an impact.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the refreshed lyrics carefully in early rehearsals so singers understand what's changed and why; this builds ownership of the interpretation.
- Let the light syncopation breathe naturally rather than over-emphasizing it; the beauty lies in how it sits within the familiar melody.
- Use the part-predominant tracks strategically during the first week to lock voicing, then shift to the full accompaniment to develop blend and ensemble awareness.
- The newly composed refrain deserves extra sectional time to ensure musical cohesion across the four parts before bringing it into full choir.
How to use it
Program this as a opener or closer on a concert where you're building a narrative around American music, or slot it into a festival rotation as a palate-cleansing piece after heavier repertoire. The accessibility also makes it suitable for community engagement concerts or as a duet with another arrangement from the same series.
Skills your students will build
- Light syncopation within a traditional framework
- Four-part blend and balancing familiar melodies with ensemble sound
- Sight-reading updated lyrics while maintaining melodic integrity
- Interpreting recorded accompaniment with attention to style and tempo
- Assessing and refining their own performance through the built-in feedback tools