The Mariner: TB Choral Octavo
Words and music by Wayne Dauer
Item: 00-PO-0007523
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
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More about this title
About the Composer: Wayne Dauer

Wayne Dauer (b. 1969) is an Australian composer and educator who has spent more than two decades teaching music to students ages 5–17, with particular focus on primary school children. His university training spanned piano as his major, with additional studies in voice, classical guitar, and choral conducting, plus composition work with several respected Australian composers including Mary Mageau.
Throughout his career, Dauer has created educational programs for guitar, ukulele, and percussion alongside hundreds of original children's songs. In recent years, he has devoted himself to choral composition for young singers, drawing direct inspiration from the students in his classroom. His work reflects a fundamental belief that music education shapes students mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally, and that all young singers deserve to experience and enjoy music as an integral part of their lives.
Why we love this
Dauer captures the adventure of seafaring life through rhythmic momentum and evocative piano writing that actually supports rather than overshadows developing singers. The text itself is imaginative and engaging without veering into silly territory, giving young singers a real dramatic journey to inhabit across the piece.
What to expect
Salt spray and creaking timber. The piano accompaniment conjures restless waves and howling winds while the choir's voices rise above them, honest and resilient. There's physical momentum here, a sense of forward motion that draws singers and listeners into the ocean's drama.
Who it's for
Choirs with developing singers who are ready to tackle meaningful maritime storytelling across 12 pages. The varied voicing options (TB, TTB, TBB, TTBB) make it adaptable for middle school choirs, changed-voice ensembles, and younger high school groups exploring secular literature with real dramatic substance.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the rhythmic pulse as if it's propelling a ship through water. The accompaniment's drive matters; ensure the pianist locks the tempo so singers can lean into the current rather than fighting it.
- Layer the harmonic texture gradually. If your choir is still building confidence, consider having section leaders or a few voices enter first on key phrases, then bring in the full ensemble.
- Paint the imagery with dynamics and vocal color. The 'scowling winds' and 'pounding waves' in the text are your roadmap; rehearse specific moments where the choir shifts from ominous to triumphant or vice versa.
- Balance the two parts so neither is buried. With TB or TTB scoring, the bass line often carries harmonic weight that can muffle the treble melody if tenors aren't singing with clear projection.
How to use it
Position this as a concert centerpiece or festival selection that lets young singers showcase their growing musicality. It pairs well alongside quieter, introspective pieces that follow, offering the kind of dramatic arc audiences remember. The recorded accompaniment option makes it accessible whether you're performing live with pianist or using the track in a concert setting.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining rhythmic precision through syncopated and driving accompaniment patterns
- Interpreting text imagery through dynamic shaping and vocal tone color
- Part independence in TB or TTB voicing while maintaining harmonic blend
- Managing extended phrases with breath awareness and musical line