Carrickfergus for Guitar Ensemble
Digital Sheet Music
By Traditional, Ireland

Item Number: A0.851147

Carrickfergus is a coastal town on the eastern side of Northern Ireland. It is well-known for its castle, as a holiday destination but mostly for the beautiful nostalgic song that shares its name. The origin of the melody goes back at least three centuries and the modern version is probably a hybrid of two songs.

This download contains:

A full score

All individual parts in notes

All individual parts in TAB

The arrangement can be heard and watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn-wuGNeIsE

This arrangement is part of a series I am producing which will allow gatherings of guitarists of all levels to play together. As a guitarist and guitar teacher, I’ve noticed how arrangements will often be too easy for some and too hard for others leaving many ensemble players frustrated or dissatisfied. This is a deficiency I am resolving.

My aim is to create arrangements which are stimulating for all. I have done this by tailoring parts to suit the different technical and musical experience of each level of guitarist. This makes the arrangements particularly suitable for guitar societies, school groups and festivals. The required levels are approximated below. As an experienced musician and composer, I have added many points of musical interest such as modulations, chord substitutions and counterpoint. This also gives teachers and leaders to the chance to teach their groups about these devices in the context of learning a real work. Guitars 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7 all play the main melody at some point (Guitar 6 being for near-beginners).

Technical Requirements­­

·       Guitars 1 & 2 will suit players of Grade 6 (intermediate/advanced) standard or above. There is some high-position work.

·       Guitars 3 & 4 are suitable for players of about Grade 4 (intermediate) standard.

·       Guitar 5 is suitable for a player of about Grade 2 (beginner) standard.

·       Guitar 6 is suitable for near-beginners. It is mainly open strings with some first-position stopped notes. Although it is a technically-easy part, it is very motivating for guitarists in their early stages to play with a large ensemble. This part is optional.

·       Guitar 7 is suitable for players of about Grade 5 (intermediate) standard. The bass line has ornamentation, a lot of rhythmic interest and at times, the melody.

Teachers and player can also benefit from the fact that a recording of the arrangement, with performance notes, is always available on-line.

Thank you so much for your purchase. If you have any questions, requests or would like to send feedback, it would be a pleasure to hear from you at www.danjonesguitarist.com or on my facebook page.

Dan Jones, March 2019

This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard’s global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.

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