Four Australian Folk Songs (PDF format)

This suite begins fairly straight-ahead, but becomes more ‘unexpected’ as you go. “Click Go the Shears” is close to a standard arrangement, with all instruments getting sections of the melody. “Bound For South Australia” starts with a bold introduction, then is presented in a chorale-like setting. “Waltzing Matilda” is hardly a waltz (well…it’s a waltz with one beat missing every second bar!). Yes – it’s in 5/4 time. The melody is presented in the natural minor for most of the movement, and a short excerpt in the relative major. The conclusion is “Botany Bay” in a polka-like style. Sufficient doubling ensures this should work with smaller bands, but the melody is shared around often, and trombones, euphonium and bassoon don’t double the bassline, so everyone will love playing this. Although intended to be performed as a suite, each piece works well on their own. A great selection for developing bands.