The Ash Grove

This has been a much-requested tune! "The Ash Grove" is a traditional Welsh song that has been used in a number of different settings with different lyrics. Though there are other versions that deal with more sorrowful topics, John's arrangement is light and happy. If you have a favorite version of the lyrics, feel free to use them in lieu of the ones published here.

This arrangement was written with older singers in mind. The melody is familiar enough for most students, except the youngest. The optional part 2, however, was written to not only sound beautiful, but also to provide an additional challenge for your more advanced students. We think they will enjoy rising to that challenge. The solo, which begins at the pick-up to measure 5, is also optional. It could be sung by all, a few, or even two. The penny whistle is also playing the melody at this point. (Our soloist was Holly McDaniel, an older girl. However, we also had one of our boys - Kevin Colvin - sing it for us. He, too, was wonderful! We were torn which version to use and just about had to flip a coin when the moment came to decide. Be warned - you may have similar difficulties when you audition singers for the solo.)

The arrangement of this piece is so thick that we couldn't fit everything onto the piano/vocal score, even as cues! We highly recommend using the recording, as the arrangement/orchestration is the real joy of the piece. We feel our musicians did a fine job conveying the "Medieval Celtic Dance" style. We hope your students have a chance to listen to the instrumental version alone. We think they will enjoy it.