The Letter: 1st Percussion
The Letter: 1st Percussion Sheet Music Preview

The Letter: 1st Percussion

Words and music by Wayne Carson Thompson / arr. Jay Althouse

Item: 00-PC-0016208_PC1
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Description
Here's a rockin' remake of a timeless '60s hit, perfect for the pop portion of your concert. "Give me a ticket for an airplane. Ain't got time to take no fast train." Kickin' groove!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Letter: 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: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 24
SKU: 00-PC-0016208_PC1
Instrumentation: SoundPax

More about this title

About the Composer: Wayne Carson Thompson

Wayne Carson Thompson is a songwriter and composer whose work spans pop, country, and commercial music. He wrote "The Letter," one of the most iconic rock songs of the 1960s, which became a multi-platinum hit and remains a staple of rock radio. His ability to craft memorable melodies and compelling hooks has made his compositions enduring standards in popular music.

Why we love this

Jay Althouse's arrangement captures the raw energy of the original while tailoring it for choir voices, giving your singers a chance to perform a genuine rock classic rather than a watered-down cover. The groove sits perfectly in a pop concert context, and the SoundPax instrumentation keeps things fresh without requiring a full band. Your students will recognize the song immediately, which builds confidence and delivers real audience excitement.

What to expect

Restless and driven, with an unmistakable sense of urgency. The rhythm propels forward, and the melody lands with memorable hooks that stick with singers and audiences alike. There's a real sense of spontaneity and life here, the feeling of someone caught in a moment and determined to make a move.

Who it's for

Choirs at the middle school level and up who want to program contemporary popular music alongside traditional repertoire. This works well for singers comfortable with a contemporary style and ready to embrace the attitude and groove of a genuine rock song.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock into the groove early in rehearsal by having the rhythm section tap the pulse while the choir learns their parts; this song lives or dies by pocket, not perfection.
  • Balance the lead vocal with the choir so that the story comes through clearly in the first verse before the full sound kicks in.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment in rehearsal to help singers internalize the style; rock music requires a different feel than classical repertoire, and hearing it played well trains the ear.
  • Pay attention to the lyrical phrasing and attitude. This is conversational and urgent, not legit; encourage singers to perform with character and directness.

How to use it

Position this in the pop or contemporary portion of a mixed concert to provide a tonal and stylistic shift from classical or show choir selections. It pairs well with other '60s and '70s covers in a "Legends" or "Classics" themed set, or stands alone as a crowd-pleasing moment that energizes both singers and audience.

Skills your students will build

  • singing with rhythmic precision in a rock/pop groove
  • interpreting contemporary vocal style and attitude
  • balancing solo and ensemble voices in a pop arrangement
  • responding to recorded accompaniment and click tracks
  • sustaining energy and character through repetitive melodic and rhythmic figures

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