Soak Up the Sun: Score
For a Minimum of Five Steel Drums, Drumset, Percussion, and Optional Bass Guitar
Words and music by Sheryl Crow and Jeff Trott / arr. Kirk J. Gay
Item: 00-PR-0005268
$8.00
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Description
This Billboard number one hit by Sheryl Crow is off of her 2002 album C'mon, C'mon, and was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2003. This fun, upbeat tune evokes images of the sun, surf, and sand. It is arranged for lead, double tenor, double second, cello/guitar, bass pans, bass guitar (optional), drumset, and percussion. Whether playing it at your next concert or gig, it is sure to be a crowd favorite!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Soak Up the Sun: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred's Pop Steel Drum Ensemble Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
22
SKU:
00-PR-0005268
Instrumentation:
Steel Drum Ensemble
More about this title
About the Composer: Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow emerged as one of the defining voices of 1990s rock and pop, blending country influences, rock edge, and accessible pop sensibility into a distinctive sound that earned her nine Grammy Awards across her career. Her 2002 album C'mon, C'mon showcased her ability to craft infectious, radio-friendly songs without sacrificing lyrical substance, establishing her as both a commercial and critically respected artist.
Why we love this
Arranging a contemporary Billboard hit for steel drum ensemble opens up programming possibilities that connect to students' actual listening lives while honoring a Grammy-nominated song. The upbeat, summery character of this arrangement delivers the kind of crowd engagement that justifies time invested in rehearsal, and Kirk J. Gay's instrumentation balances accessibility with genuine ensemble musicianship.
What to expect
Bright and infectious energy permeates this arrangement, evoking the tropical warmth and carefree optimism of the original. The interplay between steel drum voices creates a shimmering, sun-drenched soundscape that feels celebratory without sacrificing musicianship.
Who it's for
Steel drum ensemble directors seeking contemporary repertoire that excites students and audiences alike. This arrangement works for groups ranging from established ensembles to newer programs looking to build engagement through familiar material.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the rhythmic pocket early by establishing solid communication between the bass guitar (optional) and drumset; the groove depends on their synchronization, not on tempo rushing.
- Balance the melodic layers across lead and double tenor pans so no single voice overwhelms the harmonic texture; mark phrase shapes clearly in rehearsal.
- Bring out the percussion color changes as textural markers; these moments prevent the arrangement from feeling static across 22 pages.
- Encourage the rhythm section to listen for the song's inherent swing and pocket rather than playing mechanically to a click; this is a song people know, so authenticity matters.
How to use it
Program this as a second-half opener to shift energy and mood, or use it as a season finale moment that leaves audiences smiling. The accessibility and recognition factor make it ideal for pops concerts, spring programs, or any setting where connecting with a general audience matters.
Skills your students will build
- Ensemble balance across multiple steel drum voicings
- Rhythmic precision in a groove-based context
- Melodic phrasing within a pop song structure
- Listening and responding to harmonic movement across ensemble parts
- Coordinating pitched and unpitched percussion layers