Two Celtic Tunes: 1st Trombone
"Star of the County Down" and "Green Bushes"
Various / arr. Barry Milner
Grade: 1.5 (Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0017447_TN1
$3.00
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Description
The folk songs "Star of the County Down" and "Green Bushes" represent two different styles and are featured in many works by well-known composers. This arrangement is accessible by younger players while highlighting the beauty and character of these delightful melodies in both Dorian and Mixolydian modes. (3:50)
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Debut Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
232
SKU:
00-PC-0017447_TN1
More about this title
About the Arranger: Barry Milner
Barry Milner is a working composer and arranger whose concert band and orchestral works appear regularly on state festival and contest lists. His pieces, including "An Unending Legacy" and "In Honor of the Fallen," are published by Alfred Publishing and have earned recognition in The Instrumentalist, School Band and Orchestra Magazine, and on the JWPepper editors' list.
Milner teaches in the Eureka Springs School District in Arkansas while maintaining an active composing practice. His creative interests extend beyond band music to film scoring and orchestral writing. When not composing or in the classroom, he seeks inspiration through travel to national parks and time spent in nature. You can learn more about his work at www.barrymilner.com.
Why we love this
These two contrasting folk tunes sit perfectly at the 1.5 level, giving young bands genuine musical substance without overwhelming technical demands. Milner's arrangement respects the modal character of each melody while keeping the harmonization clean and supportive, letting the tunes shine rather than drowning them in unnecessary complexity. This is the kind of accessible concert piece that builds musicianship and feels rewarding to perform.
What to expect
These melodies carry the weight of tradition without heaviness. "Star of the County Down" dances with a folk joy, while "Green Bushes" carries a quieter dignity. Milner's setting honors both the sturdy character and subtle modal color of these tunes, inviting players to discover the beauty in straightforward, well-crafted melody.
Who it's for
This arrangement welcomes younger concert bands and junior high ensembles to genuine folk repertoire without requiring advanced technical facility. It also works well for younger high school groups looking to program accessible concert music that doesn't compromise on musical interest.
How to get the most out of it
- Bring out the modal flavor of each tune by listening carefully to where the natural "home" tone falls rather than defaulting to major/minor assumptions. The Dorian and Mixolydian flavors will emerge naturally if you're attentive to the melody's resting points.
- Balance the melody between sections without letting it disappear into unison. These folk tunes depend on clear, singing lines, so encourage players to phrase through to the ends of musical sentences.
- Use the contrasting characters of the two pieces to create distinct moods in rehearsal. "Star of the County Down" and "Green Bushes" invite different interpretations, so explore the emotional territory of each before moving between them.
How to use it
Program both tunes as a concert set to showcase your band's lyrical and interpretive capabilities before moving into more demanding repertoire. The pairing also works on festival programs, where the 3:50 total duration and contrasting moods create a compelling musical arc without taxing younger players.
Skills your students will build
- Recognizing and performing in Dorian and Mixolydian modes
- Balancing melodic lines within varied textures
- Phrasing folk melodies with sensitivity to natural cadence points
- Ensemble intonation in modal harmony
- Reading and performing from full score preparation materials