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The Mermaid: TB Choral Octavo

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The Mermaid: TB Choral Octavo

The Mermaid: TB Choral Octavo

Traditional Sea Ballad / arr. Jack Zaino

Item: 00-48890

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Description
Clamoring to join the sea song craze? Here's an exceptionally well-prepared traditional sea ballad that is equal parts authentic and enjoyable. Dating back to the mid 1700s, this rollicking nautical adventure (probably from England or Scotland) tells the story of a ship's captain who spots a mermaid in the distance. Since mermaids were thought to bring bad luck, the whole crew panics! A chorus of sailors, a captain, the chef, and a parrot take turns expressing their woe---often in a comedic way. Singers will quickly be hooked, so directors can sink into the educational merits to uncover many hidden treasures. View the arranger's intro video for even more history and teaching ideas.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
UPC: 038081562148
SKU: 00-48890

More about this title

About the Arranger: Jack Zaino

Jack Zaino

Jack Zaino brings classroom experience and editorial expertise to his work as a choral arranger and clinician. Based in New England, he spent years teaching middle school music in Connecticut public schools before joining Alfred Music, where he now serves as a choral editor and author. He holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut and completed his undergraduate studies there as well, earning degrees in Voice and Music Education.

Zaino's arrangements reflect a genuine interest in contemporary and popular music, having adapted works by artists including Kacey Musgraves, Dan + Shay, and Lizzo. His contributions to the choral field have earned recognition from Connecticut ACDA, which named him Young Choral Director of the Year in 2020. He remains active in the state's choral community through leadership roles with both Connecticut ACDA and Consonare Choral Community, where he champions repertoire selection and programming alongside his continued work as a singer and composer.

Why we love this

Zaino captures the comedic chaos of this 18th-century ballad without sacrificing the tune's nautical authenticity. The flexible voicing (TB/TTB/TBB/TTBB) lets you program this piece across multiple years or choirs, while the built-in humor and character work keep singers engaged through every verse. It's the kind of arrangement that works equally well in concert or festival settings, and your ensemble will actually look forward to rehearsals.

What to expect

A rollicking voyage in musical form. The piece darts between moments of genuine seafaring atmosphere and over-the-top panic, inviting singers to inhabit a crew watching their world turn upside down. It's buoyant and energetic, with enough character detail to feel like theater without requiring sets or costumes.

Who it's for

Middle school and high school choirs with an appetite for storytelling and fun. The straightforward melodic material and flexible voicing make it accessible to developing singers, while the arrangement's sophistication and period flavor keep more experienced ensembles engaged.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the narrative arc across all verses so the mounting panic from captain, crew, chef, and parrot builds naturally rather than feeling repetitive.
  • Lean into the comedic timing by keeping rhythmic articulation crisp and clear; let the humor land through precision, not exaggeration.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment during early rehearsals to anchor the harmonic language, then gradually reduce reliance on it so singers develop independent part security.
  • Balance the solo or semi-solo sections (captain, chef, parrot) with the full ensemble so individual character voices remain audible without getting buried.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a concert opener or closer when you want to set a lighter, audience-friendly tone. It also shines in festival settings where adjudicators appreciate both musicality and historical awareness. Consider programming it alongside other folk arrangements or sea songs to build thematic coherence.

Skills your students will build

  • Ensemble unity and blend across TB/TTBB voicing combinations
  • Character interpretation and dramatic expression within an arranged folk idiom
  • Historical awareness of traditional ballads and maritime music traditions
  • Independent part singing with flexible voice leading through multiple verses

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