Take 'Em Away: Ukulele

This arrangement captures the infectious energy that makes Old Crow Medicine Show such a joy to perform. The ukulele voicing stays true to the song's folk roots while offering students an accessible entry point to contemporary Americana repertoire.

Warm, unpretentious, and full of forward momentum. The song carries the spirit of a porch performance or an informal jam session, with a rootsy authenticity that feels both timeless and immediately present.

Solo ukulele players seeking contemporary folk material that sits comfortably on the instrument, as well as ensemble directors looking to add a modern Americana piece to their repertoire. Students at intermediate levels will find the two-page length manageable while still encountering meaningful musical content.

• Nail the rhythmic pocket by locking into the steady strumming pattern; this song lives in its groove rather than flashy technique
• Pay attention to any syncopated phrases in the melody and keep them aligned with the harmonic rhythm underneath
• Let the vocal melody breathe naturally rather than rushing through phrases, even when the accompaniment stays locked in
• Test different dynamic levels during your first run-through; discover where the song naturally wants to lift and settle

Feature this during a concert section celebrating contemporary folk and Americana songwriters, or pair it with traditional bluegrass selections to show how modern artists build upon those foundations. The accessible nature and recognizable artist name also make it ideal for informal school assemblies or community events where you want to engage listeners beyond the typical classical music audience.

• Stylistic interpretation of folk and contemporary Americana idioms
• Maintaining rhythmic consistency in steady-state accompaniment patterns
• Balancing melody with harmonic awareness in solo ukulele arrangements
• Phrasing and breathing in vocal-style instrumental performance