Ribbons in the Sky: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0001843
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Pickup currently not available
Description
This nature-inspired piece celebrates the beauty of a rainbow. As the seven colors are revealed, use movement scarves or ribbon wands for added effect (instructions included in the publication). An optional recorder part adds to the multicultural character. This title is available in Music Prodigy.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Ribbons in the Sky: 2-Part Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
Open in the Player
Jump straight in and assign it today.
Start Your Free Trial
Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0001843
More about this title
About the Composer: Andy Beck
Andy Beck directs choral publications at Alfred Music and has established himself as one of the most prolific voices in contemporary choral writing, with over 450 works for singers of all ages currently available. His output spans secular and sacred repertoire, children's musicals, and foundational vocal resources like Sing at First Sight and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique. Performances of his compositions circulate globally, and his work in clinics, adjudication, and guest conducting positions him as an influential figure in music education across the United States and internationally.
Beyond his role at Alfred, Beck maintains an active performance life as a tenor, conducting musical theatre and singing with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir. He holds degrees in music education from Ithaca College and Northwest Missouri State University, grounding his compositional voice in pedagogical principle. His consistent engagement with honor choirs and all-state groups reflects a deep commitment to nurturing musical literacy and choral artistry at every level.
Why we love this
Beck writes music that serves both artistic and practical purposes simultaneously. The combination of visual elements (movement scarves or ribbon wands), optional recorder part, and a nature subject creates rich teaching moments without sacrificing musical substance or melodic appeal. At two parts, it's accessible enough for younger or developing choirs while remaining musically interesting to perform and listen to.
What to expect
Ribbons in the Sky captures the wonder of a rainbow unfolding, with music that feels light and celebratory. The interplay between voices and the optional recorder creates a shimmering quality that mirrors how light refracts through the spectrum. Singing this piece creates an immediate sense of joy and collaboration, especially when movement is integrated.
Who it's for
This piece works well for developing choirs in upper elementary and middle school settings, as well as high school choirs looking for concert repertoire with audience appeal. The two-part voicing and movement component make it particularly effective for singers who connect with kinesthetic learning or who perform in educational settings where visual impact matters.
How to get the most out of it
- Rehearse the movement directions separately from the singing so singers can focus on each skill independently before combining them. Start with slow, sustained ribbon motions, then layer in the vocal line.
- Balance the optional recorder part carefully during rehearsals. Have the recorder player shadow the highest vocal line initially to establish the melody, then gradually feature the recorder as an independent voice during performance.
- Treat the seven color sections as distinct moments rather than racing through them. Allow each color to have its own character and tempo nuance, which makes the rainbow metaphor clearer and gives singers room to shape the music.
- Record a rehearsal with movement included so singers can see themselves executing both elements together. This builds confidence and helps refine timing before adding any staging refinements.
How to use it
Program this as a spring or early summer concert opener to set an uplifting tone, or use it as the centerpiece of a program themed around nature and colors. It also serves well as a festival or contest selection where visual presentation matters alongside musical performance. The twelve-page length makes it a manageable addition to a concert program without excessive rehearsal burden.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in two-part harmony with clear voice independence
- Coordinating singing with sustained movement or choreography
- Reading and performing optional recorder parts alongside choir
- Shaping musical phrases that mirror visual storytelling (the seven colors)
- Ensemble balance and blend in a piece with optional instrumental doubling