The Cherry Tree: 1st Percussion
15th Century Ballad / arr. Brian Beck
Grade: 1.5
Item: 00-PC-0018797_PC1
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Description
The Cherry Tree is a beautiful and lyrical folk song dating back as early as the 15th century in the English Midlands. Having traveled all around western Europe, this folk tune eventually found its way to America, gaining popularity in the South in early 1900s and again in the 1960s. This setting, by composer Brian Beck, captures the beauty and simplicity of the original ballad while encouraging musical expression and smooth phrasing. (3:21) Correlated to Sound Innovations, Book 1, Level 5. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Cherry Tree: 1st Percussion 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:
Sound Innovations for Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PC-0018797_PC1
More about this title
About the Arranger: Brian Beck
Brian Beck has built a career composing and arranging for instrumental and vocal ensembles while serving as a band director in Texas. His compositions have appeared in TMEA Honor Band concerts, regional clinics, and state competitions, earning recognition including "Reviewer's Choice" from The Instrumentalist and "Best New Concert Band Music" from Tom Lee Music. His arrangements are featured in the Teaching Music Through Performance In Band series (GIA Publications) and appear on numerous prescribed music lists across the Southwest and beyond.
Beck's teaching experience spans middle school and high school programs, where he consistently developed bands to Superior UIL ratings and competitive honors. He holds degrees in music education from Texas A&M University-Commerce and the University of Houston, and was a member of the TMEA All-State Band as a student. His work combines accessible writing with musical substance, making his pieces valuable resources for developing ensembles.
Why we love this
Beck's arrangement respects the ballad's inherent lyricism while providing exactly the right amount of musical scaffolding for Grade 1.5 ensembles. The setting invites genuine musicianship from young players without overwhelming them technically, making it an ideal choice for conductors who want to build phrasing and expression early in the year.
What to expect
The arrangement unfolds with quiet dignity, allowing the folk melody to breathe naturally over gentle harmonic support. There's an unhurried quality that invites listeners into the ballad's centuries-old story, creating space for young musicians to sing through their instruments without technical strain.
Who it's for
Grade 1.5 concert bands and developing ensembles working through Sound Innovations, Book 1. This setting works well for groups ready to explore lyrical playing and longer phrasing but not yet prepared for complex technical demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody through subtle dynamic shaping rather than dramatic swells; this folk tune benefits from a long breath and gentle cresting of phrases.
- Balance the parts so the tune emerges clearly while supporting harmonies remain integrated; many young ensembles will naturally favor the melody line, so rehearse the accompaniment voices with equal care.
- Take time to discuss the song's story and history before sectionals; players who understand the ballad's narrative often phrase more musically and shape their parts more intentionally.
- Let the recorded accompaniment guide your tempo in early rehearsals, then gradually move away from it as the band internalizes the phrasing and breathing.
How to use it
Program this early in the concert season to establish a foundation in lyrical playing and phrasing before tackling more rhythmically complex material. It also serves well in contest or festival settings where Grade 1.5 pieces are featured, and pairs naturally with other folk-song arrangements or Americana selections.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long phrases with consistent air support
- Balancing melody against harmonic parts
- Responding to subtle dynamic shaping within a narrow range
- Maintaining ensemble intonation across sustained chords