In A Year of Folk Tunes, August’s key of the month is D Flat Major and B Flat Minor. It’s not a key that shows up in a first- or second-year method book. However, when you need to be able to use it, it’s usually urgent!

I wrote four rounds to help navigate this key. Everyone who played them, got a lot better at the hand positions required for D Flat Major and B Flat Minor. The rounds have one part doubled so they would be playable with only two parts. In score form, each tune also has an optional piano part for extra rehearsal. As you can see from the titles, I chose to visit Australia and New Zealand.

In Down Under, the cello opens this round, while the violins and violas double. It is in D Flat Major with only half notes and quarter notes in this 4/4 time canon.

Did your travels make you hungry? Let’s put some Snags on the Barbie. In B Flat Minor and 3/4 time, the violins and violas begin this round. Count your quarter rests carefully!

Chuck on your Gumboots is back in D Flat Major. Watch your step! 5/4 time gives you time to sight see.

In 4/4 time, Out in the Bush begins with the upper strings. It is fairly straightforward, but challenging for the cellos.

Sheet music for the rounds is available as a digital download.
Down Under for Violin, Viola, Cello and Optional Piano
Snags on the Barbie for Violin, Viola, Cello and Optional Piano
Chuck on your Gumboots for Violin, Viola, Cello and Optional Piano
Out in the Bush for Violin, Viola, Cello and Optional Piano

Listen to the canons here.
Down Under
Snags on the Barbie
Chuck on Your Gumboots
Out in the Bush

Thank-you Molly for playing the viola part in the videos.

Current round count: 32