The Mermaid Cover Image

The Mermaid: Choral SoundTrax CD

$29.99 USD
$29.99 USD
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The Mermaid Cover Image
The Mermaid: Choral SoundTrax CD

The Mermaid: Choral SoundTrax CD

Traditional Sea Ballad / arr. Jack Zaino

Item: 00-48892
$29.99
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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
UPC: 038081562162
SKU: 00-48892

More about this title

About the Arranger: Jack Zaino

Jack Zaino

Jack Zaino brings deep roots in Connecticut's choral community to his work as a choral editor and arranger at Alfred Music. He earned degrees in voice and music education from the University of Connecticut, where he was a founding member of the UConn Chamber Singers, and holds a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the same institution. Before joining Alfred, he taught middle school music in Connecticut public schools and continues to perform and lead within the state's choral scene.

As an active arranger, Zaino gravitates toward contemporary popular music and folk traditions, seeking the artistry within each style. His published arrangements have adapted music by Kacey Musgraves, Dan + Shay, and Lizzo for choral ensembles. He has served as composition chair for Connecticut ACDA's repertoire and resources committee and was named Young Choral Director of the Year in 2020. His work with Consonare Choral Community demonstrates his commitment to building musical community through thoughtful programming and accessible arrangements.

Why we love this

Zaino's arrangement honors the ballad's authentic maritime spirit while making it genuinely fun to sing and teach. The characterization built into the piece (sailors, captain, chef, parrot) creates natural narrative energy that holds singers' attention without sacrificing musicality. Singers at this level quickly grasp the story and humor, which means they invest in phrasing and expression from early rehearsals.

What to expect

Rollicking, salty, and theatrical. The piece swings with the energy of sailors spinning a tall tale around a tavern table, complete with panic and humor in equal measure. Singers feel the fun in the characters and the sea breeze in the melody.

Who it's for

This arrangement serves middle school through high school choirs seeking a piece with immediate appeal and genuine pedagogical substance. The narrative structure and character voices keep singers engaged while the traditional melody and harmonic setting develop musicianship at an accessible level.

How to get the most out of it

  • Let the comedy breathe. The parrot interjections and crew reactions work best when singers commit to their character voices without oversinging the text.
  • Track the recorded accompaniment in early rehearsals so singers anchor the pulse while learning entrances and parts.
  • Balance solo moments (captain, chef, parrot) with ensemble sections so individual voices cut through the full choir without strain.
  • Shape the phrase endings with a slight ritard to let the story moments land; avoid a metronomic feel that would undermine the folk authenticity.

How to use it

Program this as a concert opener or closer to set a bright, entertaining mood while showcasing your ensemble's ability to handle characterization and stylistic authenticity. The folk roots and novelty elements make it an excellent bridge piece when pairing serious art song or classical works with more contemporary selections.

Skills your students will build

  • Character singing and narrative interpretation in secular choral music
  • Historical context of traditional folk ballads and their origins
  • Ensemble blend while maintaining individual voice clarity in character moments
  • Phrasing and expression rooted in authentic folk tradition rather than metered precision

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