Turkey in the Straw: Woodwind Quintet Score & Parts

Rollicking and celebratory, with the infectious drive of square dance music. The syncopated rhythms create forward momentum while short, snappy articulations keep the texture light and buoyant, building anticipation for the bassoon's featured moment.

Woodwind quintets at the high school and community band level looking for repertoire that is fun to perform without compromising musicianship. Directors seeking a contest or festival piece that requires solid ensemble blend and rhythmic precision while maintaining audience appeal.

• Treat the syncopated rhythms as the driving force. These need clarity and precision, not swing. Crisp articulation from all five players will make the syncopation land cleanly.
• Give the bassoon soloist room to breathe and phrase expressively through the middle section. This is their moment to shine, so balance the other voices to support rather than compete.
• Keep the energy consistent from top to bottom of the ensemble. Uneven dynamics or stragglers will flatten the hoe-down character.

Program this as a contrast to more serious or lyrical chamber works, either mid-concert to brighten the mood or as a finale to send the audience out with energy. It works especially well on festivals or competitions where ensemble balance and rhythmic precision matter as much as the tune itself.

• Executing syncopated rhythms with precision and clarity
• Coordinating articulation across five independent parts
• Balancing a featured solo line with accompanying voices
• Maintaining consistent ensemble energy and pulse