Two Appalachian Songs (I. "Once I Had a Sweetheart," II. "Cindy"): B-flat Bass Clarinet
Two Appalachian Songs (I. "Once I Had a Sweetheart," II. "Cindy"): B-flat Bass Clarinet Sheet Music Preview

Two Appalachian Songs (I. "Once I Had a Sweetheart," II. "Cindy"): B-flat Bass Clarinet

I. Once I Had a Sweetheart, II. Cindy

Traditional / arr. Michael Story

Grade: 1 (Very Easy)

Item: 00-PC-0002204_BC
Digital Download
$3.00
View Full Set
Description
A pair of American folk songs in contrasting styles and settings. "Two Appalachian Songs" contains the lyrical "Once I Had a Sweetheart" and "Cindy." This mini-suite is a great chance to introduce beginning articulations and style to your first year students. (1:42)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Two Appalachian Songs (I. "Once I Had a Sweetheart," II. "Cindy"): B-flat Bass Clarinet comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Open in the Player

Jump straight in and assign it today.

Start Your Free Trial

Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.
Sample Audio
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Series: Belwin Very Beginning Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 178
SKU: 00-PC-0002204_BC

More about this title

About the Arranger: Michael Story

Michael Story is a prolific composer and arranger whose work spans concert band, jazz ensemble, and educational settings. His arrangements for beginning and intermediate bands have become staples in music education, known for their musicality, accessibility, and respect for the source material.

Why we love this

Story respects both the melodic integrity of these folk songs and the learning needs of first-year students, crafting an arrangement that introduces articulation and stylistic contrasts without overwhelming young players. The pairing of a lyrical ballad with an upbeat dance tune gives students immediate experience with musical variety within a single rehearsal.

What to expect

"Once I Had a Sweetheart" unfolds with the gentle nostalgia of a folk ballad, inviting students to shape long phrases with warmth. "Cindy" shifts gears entirely, capturing the infectious rhythmic energy and bright character of a folk dance.

Who it's for

First-year concert band students who are ready to move beyond isolated exercises into short, complete musical works. This arrangement works well for young bands preparing their first concerts or needing repertoire that addresses both lyrical and rhythmic playing simultaneously.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the legato character of "Once I Had a Sweetheart" early in rehearsals; this piece depends on phrase shaping and sustained tone production rather than technical complexity.
  • Use the key and tempo change to "Cindy" as an opportunity to reset the band's energy and articulation style, treating it as a new musical statement rather than a continuation.
  • Balance the melody across sections as different instruments carry the tune in each movement; ensure the arranging voice leading is transparent so students can hear how parts support the primary line.

How to use it

Program both pieces back-to-back as a short thematic set on a concert, or use them in separate rehearsals as contrasting studies in articulation and expression. The brief duration (1:42) makes them ideal for pacing a concert and giving early ensembles meaningful performance experience without demanding weeks of preparation.

Skills your students will build

  • Sustained legato playing and phrase shaping in lyrical contexts
  • Clear articulation and rhythmic precision in folk dance style
  • Recognition and execution of contrasting musical characters within a single work
  • Basic melodic voice leading awareness as different instruments carry the tune
  • Attention to dynamics and balance in support of primary melodic lines

You May Also Like