The Mamou Two-Step: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Traditional / Arranged by Richard Webb
Grade: 3.5
Item: 35-PK01726701
$55.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| The Mamou Two-Step - Full Score | $10.00 | |
| The Mamou Two-Step - Violin 1 | $2.50 | |
| The Mamou Two-Step - Violin 2 | $2.50 | |
| The Mamou Two-Step - Viola | $2.50 | |
| The Mamou Two-Step - Cello | $2.50 | |
| The Mamou Two-Step - Bass | $2.50 | |
| The Mamou Two-Step - Triangle | $2.50 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Cajuns are the descendants of Catholic French Canadians whom the British Empire expelled from the captured French territory of Acadia (modern-day Nova Scotia and its surrounding areas) in the 18th century. They emigrated to an area of rural south Louisiana, territory owned by France prior to the Louisiana Purchase, which the new settlers called Acadiana. Modern Cajuns maintain connections to their heritage and culture through the French language and dialect, their cuisine, and their music. The Mamou Two-Step is named after the Louisiana town of Mamou, given the epithet of "The Cajun Music Capital of the World."
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01726701
More about this title
Why we love this
Richard Webb's arrangement captures the infectious joy of Cajun dance music without oversimplifying the idiom. The part writing sits comfortably for developing orchestras while preserving the rhythmic vitality and melodic character that define the two-step tradition. This is the kind of piece that reminds students why they play in the first place.
What to expect
Bright and celebratory, with the unmistakable sway of a Cajun dance hall. The melody dances above a steady, groove-oriented accompaniment that invites movement and brings warmth to the concert stage. You hear the joy of a community keeping its musical heritage alive.
Who it's for
String orchestras working at the early intermediate level who want to explore American regional music traditions with authentic voice. This arrangement welcomes players building technical confidence while offering enough musical substance to engage listeners at a school concert.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the lilt in the rhythm section. The two-step pulse should feel slightly relaxed and swinging, not metronomic; encourage your bass players to listen for the gentle forward lean that makes Cajun time tick.
- Layer the melody parts carefully so the tune emerges clearly over accompaniment. Mark dynamic contours in rehearsal and ensure the first violins shape their line with intention, as the melody carries the character of the piece.
- Balance the fiddle-driven sound by letting your second violins and violas shine in their rhythmic accompaniment. These voices anchor the groove and deserve clarity in the mix.
- Consider how tempo choice affects the dance feel. A brisk but not rushed pace allows younger players time to find the pocket while preserving the spirited character the two-step demands.
How to use it
Pair this with other American regional music or folk-based concert pieces to create programming that honors diverse musical voices. The energy and accessibility make it an excellent choice for mid-year concerts when you want to showcase student musicianship without demanding the technical demands of more complex repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Executing stylistic rhythmic swing in ensemble contexts
- Balancing melody against rhythmic accompaniment
- Reading and performing in a clear, accessible Grade 3.5 score
- Responding to cultural and regional musical idioms with authentic interpretation