american folk song

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Vocal Ranges

Oh, Watch the Stars

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Oh, Watch the Stars

Soprano 1 Soprano 2 Alto

SSA2103SSA Voices & Piano

Arranged by GREG GILPIN

American Folk Song

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Recordings are available on all major streaming services.

There are many renditions, arrangements, recordings of this American Folk Song. Not a surprise, because the melody is haunting and the text is filled with imagery that leads the listener and performer to their own interpretations.

With my arrangement, I have tried to create a reverent setting, almost meditative. As if the singer is sitting alone, contemplating, looking up into the sky.

There are several verses in the original song, but I chose only one and tried to create a simple, quiet, unhurried interpretation that includes sections of harmonic “Oo’s” against the melodic solo instrument. The Violin is optional, but certainly adds to the feel of the piece. Though there is repetition, it is purposeful by engaging the singer in being musical and creative in their performance. The ending is to be simple, fading to nothing, with the idea that the singer continues to contemplate and consider.

Here are some suggestions for singers and teachers when learning my arrangement:

• Have the singers research the song and where it originated. • Have the singers find examples of performances that they like and that they might borrow ideas from for their own performance. • What is the form of the piece? Why do you think the composer arranged it the way he did? • What do the lyrics mean to each singer? What other verses were written for the song? • Have everyone hum and learn the Violin part. Perhaps a small group humming the part would be an interesting replacement of an actual Violin.

Oh, Watch the Stars

Greg Gilpin is a well-known ASCAP award-winning composer and arranger and a highly respected choral conductor throughout

the United States and internationally including the respected and historic venues of Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland. He also conducts educational choral tours for singers of all ages to various locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. He is currently

Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press and is a member of ACDA. NAfME, SAG-AFTRA, and is

a Life Loyal Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

About the Arranger

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SSA2103

Arranged byGREG GILPINAMERICAN FOLK SONG

Oh, Watch the Starsfor SSA Voices with Piano Accompaniment and opt. Violin

© 2021 by Excelcia Music Publishing, LLC International Copyright Secured • All Rights Reserved Including Performing Rights

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SSA2103

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Arranged byGREG GILPIN

AMERICAN FOLK SONG

Oh, Watch the Starsfor SSA Voices with Piano Accompaniment and opt. Violin

Violin (opt.)8

SSA2103

PREVIEW ONLY

american folk song

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