Two Too Wet!: String Bass: Choral SoundPax
Splish Splash / Sea Cruise
By Bobby Darin, Jean Murray, and Huey Smith / arr. Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PC-0015662_SB
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Description
Bring back the golden age of rock 'n' roll with this wet and wonderful duo of pop hits: "Splish Splash" (written by the legendary Bobby Darin) and "Sea Cruise" (by New Orleans legend Huey "Piano" Smith). It's fun, it's singable, and, well, it's a blast from the past. Don't miss the extra-special TB arrangement. Featured on "That's Entertainment" choreography DVD 00-24120. Parts included are: a. sax., t. sax., tpt., tbn., rhy.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Two Too Wet!: String Bass: Choral SoundPax comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
28
SKU:
00-PC-0015662_SB
Instrumentation:
a. sax., t. sax., tpt., tbn., rhy.
More about this title
About the Composer: Bobby Darin
Bobby Darin (1936-1973) was a multi-talented entertainer who dominated the late 1950s and early 1960s pop charts. Originally a songwriter and producer, Darin became a recording star with infectious hits like "Splish Splash" and "Mack the Knife," showcasing his ability to blend rock and roll energy with sophisticated musicianship. His influence on American popular music extended across recording, performing, and composing, making him a vital figure in the transition between early rock and roll and the pop standards era.
For music educators, Darin's catalog represents some of the most teachable material from the rock and roll era. His melodies are memorable, his rhythms are driving, and his songs naturally engage student singers. "Splish Splash" in particular has become a staple of school choral programs because it combines accessibility with genuine musical substance.
Why we love this
Jay Althouse's arrangement gives these iconic summer hits the full band treatment while keeping the choral writing accessible and fun. The inclusion of a TB voicing alongside the standard mixed chorus option makes this flexible for different choir configurations, and the rock and roll instrumentation (saxes, trumpet, trombone, and rhythm section) transforms these songs into something genuinely exciting rather than watered-down novelty pieces. Your singers will be eager to rehearse music this energetic.
What to expect
Infectious, nostalgic, and purely joyful. Both "Splish Splash" and "Sea Cruise" radiate the carefree optimism of early rock and roll, complete with all the swinging rhythms and playful attitude that made these songs enduring summer staples. The added band parts lift these arrangements into something celebratory and celebratory, transforming what could be novelty songs into full ensemble experiences.
Who it's for
Mixed choirs (or treble choirs, using the TB arrangement) in grades 6-12 who want music that gets real energy and excitement in the rehearsal room. Directors seeking short, high-impact pieces that balance accessibility with genuine musical substance will find both songs immediately singable and genuinely fun to teach.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums) into a tight pocket before layering in the horn parts; rock and roll grooves live or die by rhythmic precision.
- Have the choir mark all the rhythmic hits with the band in separate rehearsals, then gradually bring sections together. The syncopation in these arrangements works best when every voice knows exactly where the downbeats land.
- Use the recorded accompaniment during initial sectional work so singers can internalize the groove without depending on a full band rehearsal.
- Encourage the saxophones and trumpet to listen closely to the choir's phrasing; the call-and-response nature of rock arrangements requires constant ensemble awareness.
How to use it
Program both pieces consecutively as a high-energy block in a spring or end-of-year concert to shift the mood from more serious repertoire. These songs work especially well on programs mixing classical and contemporary music, giving audiences permission to have fun without losing artistic credibility. Consider pairing with choreography (the reference to "That's Entertainment" DVD suggests movement possibilities) for an even more engaging visual presentation.
Skills your students will build
- Singing syncopated rhythms in rock and roll style
- Blend and balance with a full band (saxophones, trumpet, trombone)
- Maintaining ensemble groove while singing moving parts
- Reading and performing jazz-influenced articulations and phrasing
- Flexibility between SATB and TB voicings (useful for programming flexibility)