With a Yo-Ho-Ho! - Piano Solo: Piano
By Catherine Rollin
Level: Late Elementary
Item: 00-PB-0000760
$3.50
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Description
"With a yo-ho-ho, with a yo-ho-ho, it's a pirate's life for me." These are the words that Catherine sang to herself as she wrote this delightful solo. They fit the four-bar rhythm pattern of the melody perfectly which is repeated throughout and can be used to help capture the spirit of the piece as well. In 4/4 meter, it is written in the key of A minor. The left hand provides an excellent study in fifths and broken chords. The jaunty style is sure to appeal to a variety of students. A Federation Festivals 2020-2024 selection.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred's Premier Piano Solos
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
4
SKU:
00-PB-0000760
More about this title
About the Composer: Catherine Rollin
Catherine Rollin balances an active performance schedule with mentoring accomplished young pianists, having conducted workshops and masterclasses across more than 200 cities throughout North America and Asia. She holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree with distinction from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music degree from Oakland University School of Performing Arts.
Rollin's compositional work has garnered significant recognition, including commissions from Clavier Companion magazine, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and the Michigan Music Teachers Association. Her compositions appear regularly in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festivals Bulletin, and she has served as a national judge for the MTNA Student Composition Competition and the Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Contest. In 2018, the MTNA commissioned her trio Suite Detroit for flute, alto saxophone, and piano, which premiered at the organization's national conference. That same year, the Steinway Society featured her in concert as both composer and pianist, showcasing her ASCAP award-winning Museum Masterpieces series.
Why we love this
Rollin crafts a genuinely fun piece without sacrificing musical substance. The repeating four-bar rhythm pattern anchors the melody so securely that students grasp the form immediately, while the left hand work (fifths and broken chords) builds foundational technique in an engaging context rather than isolating it. For late elementary pianists, this strikes the sweet spot between playful appeal and real learning.
What to expect
Jaunty and theatrical, with just enough pirate adventure to capture the imagination without requiring dramatic interpretation beyond a student's reach. The consistent rhythm pattern and A minor key create a sing-along quality that makes the piece feel immediately accessible, even on first reading.
Who it's for
Late elementary pianists seeking repertoire that balances fun factor with technical development. The piece works equally well for students drawn to character-driven music and those who need confidence-building through a clear, memorable form.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the rhythm pattern crisp and consistent. The yo-ho-ho pulse is what gives the piece its pirate swagger, so maintain rhythmic clarity even when navigating the left hand figures.
- Shape the melody with gentle dynamic inflection on each four-bar phrase to keep the listener engaged across the repeated patterns.
- Let the broken chords and fifths in the left hand remain rhythmically aligned with the right hand melody; avoid dragging the accompaniment.
How to use it
Program this at a recital where you want to engage the audience with something spirited and recognizable, or use it as a Festival selection given its placement on the 2020-2024 Federation Festivals roster. It pairs well with more serious repertoire, offering a palate-cleansing moment that keeps audiences entertained.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing broken chords and fifths in the left hand
- Maintaining rhythmic consistency across repeated four-bar phrases
- Coordinating independent melodic and accompaniment patterns
- Playing in A minor with secure hand position and left-hand technique