Two-Gether We Sing: Folk Songs: Choral CD Kit

This kit delivers exactly what beginning choral directors need: 10 distinctive folk arrangements that don't feel like filler or oversimplified versions of 'real' music. Each piece includes genuine counterlines that give students something interesting to hold, which means they're engaged in learning part-singing rather than enduring it. The geographic and stylistic variety makes it easy to build a complete program or seasonal concert from one source.

These arrangements carry the warmth and authenticity of traditional melodies while remaining fresh and singable. The strong counterlines create honest polyphony that younger singers can grasp and take ownership of, without the weight of complex harmony or density.

Beginning and developing middle school choirs, as well as upper elementary groups ready for 2-part singing. This collection works equally well for general music classes, school assemblies, and young singers working in small ensemble settings where exposure to folk music from multiple traditions matters.

• Balance the two parts by having students listen closely to the accompaniment track during rehearsal; this helps them hear their line in relation to the other voice part and the harmonic context.
• Encourage singers to think about the cultural origin of each folk melody and how that might shape phrasing and tone color, rather than treating all 10 pieces with the same approach.
• Use the performance tracks to expose students to the full arrangement before diving into notation; hearing the piece whole builds confidence and clarifies the musical goal.
• Teach one piece thoroughly before moving to the next rather than jumping around; this gives your singers a template for how to approach 2-part reading that transfers to subsequent selections.

Build a thematic concert by selecting three or four pieces that share a region or mood rather than performing all 10 at once. The folk song collection works beautifully as the core of a winter or spring concert, or as seasonal programming that allows you to feature different selections year to year. Consider pairing individual selections with instrumental ensembles or soloists for variety in a mixed concert.

• Reading and performing in 2-part treble or mixed voicing
• Sustaining an independent melodic line while hearing a contrasting part
• Interpreting folk melodies from diverse cultural traditions
• Following a recorded accompaniment while maintaining ensemble accuracy
• Building confidence in part-singing before tackling three- or four-part repertoire