Yacht Rock! (Smooth Songs of the '70s and '80s): Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by Roger Emerson
Item: 35-PK00485707
$40.00
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Description
"Yacht rock," or the broad style of music encompassing soft rock and the general melodic breeziness that the moniker suggests, was a mid-'70s genre of music which incorporated catchy melodies, light emotions, and a literal affiliation with sandy beaches and sunny skies. Who better, then, to arrange some of the style's best, than California's own Roger Emerson! Includes: "Ride Like the Wind, You Can Do Magic, Summer Breeze, Dance with Me, Sailing" and "Still the One."
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00485707
More about this title
About the Arranger: Roger Emerson
Roger Emerson is a prolific arranger based in California whose work across choral, instrumental, and mixed media has become a staple in music education. His arrangements are known for maintaining the integrity of the original songs while tailoring them for ensemble performance, making contemporary and classic popular music accessible to student musicians at various levels.
Why we love this
Emerson captures the essence of yacht rock without condescension, treating these melodies as legitimate vehicles for musical expression rather than novelty material. Six well-known songs in one purchase gives you a cohesive concert program that audiences genuinely connect with, which matters when you're building ensemble confidence and concert attendance.
What to expect
Warm, sun-drenched, and confidently melodic. These arrangements capture the genre's essential character: melodies that stick with you, harmonies that feel effortless, and a production quality that suggests professional polish without artifice.
Who it's for
Choirs or mixed ensembles looking to program music that feels current and engaging without compromising musicianship. This works particularly well for concert choirs seeking repertoire that bridges the gap between classical traditions and popular music literacy.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the breeziness against precision. The laid-back character of yacht rock can drift into sloppiness if rhythmic clarity suffers, especially in the rhythm section.
- Let the vocal lines breathe naturally. These arrangements reward rubato and phrase shaping over metronomic predictability.
- Lean into the harmonic sophistication. Yacht rock trades on smooth, sophisticated chords, so make those sonorities ring without oversinging.
How to use it
Consider this as the opener or closer for a spring or summer concert, where the aesthetic naturally suits the season. Alternatively, program one or two selections alongside art songs and lighter classical fare to demonstrate that your ensemble takes popular music seriously.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining line singing across longer phrases without breathiness
- Voice blending and balance in close harmonies
- Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop figures
- Connecting emotionally to contemporary repertoire
- Intonation control in major key progressions with extended harmonies