The Entertainer: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Music by Scott Joplin / arr. Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0007583
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Pickup currently not available
Related Items
The Entertainer: SATB Choral Octavo |
$2.20
|
View | |
The Entertainer: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo |
$2.20
|
View | |
The Entertainer: PianoTrax Digital Download |
$9.99
|
View | |
The Entertainer: SATB Choral Octavo |
$2.20
|
View | |
The Entertainer: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo |
$2.20
|
View | |
The Entertainer: 2-Part Choral Octavo |
$2.20
|
View |
Description
You've never heard ragtime like this! Scott Joplin's signature piano piece is cleverly arranged for voices with a supportive accompaniment. Carefully crafted to match the original while making the neutral-syllable vocals intuitive to learn. A truncated A-B-A form makes this two-minute showstopper come together in no time. So versatile and vibrant, choirs in any voicing will want to perform this for Black History Month, on an American music program, as a spotlight selection, or even an unexpected encore.
The Entertainer: 2-Part Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0007583
More about this title
About the Composer: Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin (1868–1917) was an American composer and pianist who fundamentally shaped American music by elevating ragtime from a popular dance idiom to an art form worthy of serious study. His compositions, marked by syncopated rhythms and sophisticated harmonic structures, bridged classical training and vernacular traditions. Joplin's legacy extends far beyond his lifetime; his music became central to conversations about American musical identity, African American artistic achievement, and the evolution of jazz and popular music.
The Entertainer, published in 1902, stands as Joplin's most widely recognized composition. Its infectious rhythmic vitality and melodic charm have made it a staple of American music education and concert programming. By learning Joplin's work, singers and musicians connect directly to a pivotal moment in American cultural history and the contributions of a composer whose influence remains immeasurable.
Why we love this
Andy Beck's arrangement captures the playful syncopation and harmonic sophistication of Joplin's original without sacrificing the immediacy that makes this piece so engaging for singers. Using neutral syllables keeps the focus on melody and rhythm rather than text, allowing the novelty and charm of the composition itself to shine through. The two-minute A-B-A form means your choir can master it quickly while still delivering a performance that audiences recognize and love.
What to expect
Ragtime sparkles; this arrangement captures that effervescent energy with rhythmic bounce and melodic playfulness. The syncopated vocal lines sit comfortably in the middle range while the accompaniment propels the piece forward, creating a performance that feels both light and purposeful. Singers will find themselves grinning as they lock into the groove.
Who it's for
This arrangement works for any 2-part choir, regardless of voice type distribution. It's ideal for middle school and high school choirs seeking a concert piece that's fun to sing, quick to prepare, and instantly recognizable to audiences. Community and adult choirs will also find it rewarding for its blend of accessibility and musical substance.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the rhythmic articulation crisp and precise; ragtime's signature syncopation loses its character if singers lag on the offbeats or blur the subdivision.
- Treat the neutral syllables as instrumental rather than vocal lines—this mindset helps singers achieve the bright, detached quality the arrangement asks for.
- Balance the two vocal parts so the top line carries clearly but the lower part remains present; this piece thrives on both voices contributing equally to the ragtime feel.
- If using recorded accompaniment, rehearse to it early and often so singers internalize the syncopated pulse without overthinking it.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener or encore to establish an upbeat, engaging tone. It pairs naturally with other American masterworks on a Black History Month or American music celebration program. The brief rehearsal timeline also makes it an excellent choice for assembling a showcase program on short notice or for supplementing a larger concert with a vibrant, audience-pleasing selection.
Skills your students will build
- Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
- Part singing in 2-part texture
- Articulation control with neutral syllables
- Style and character interpretation in novelty music
- Ensemble cohesion with rhythmic independence