The tune (Part A) is supported by a close harmony voice of similar difficulty (Part B), both for upper strings or woodwind players. A simpler harmony line (Part C) for beginner strings or woodwinds players provides a toe-tapping middle voice, while a sophisticated staccato bass line is heard by strings, woodwinds or keyboard players (Part D). An optional percussion section for three players will help to elevate your performance of this piece. Whether performed by four players or forty players, Brown Jug Polka is sure to become an exciting piece in your repertoire!

N.B. This piece can be paired with Shoe Dance.

Number of Pages: 18

Number of Parts: 4 (minimum) with optional percussion for 3 players

Instrumentation: (your choice of instrument/s per part)

Part A – Violin, Flute, Clarinet in B♭

Part B – Violin, Viola, Flute, Clarinet in B♭

Part C – Violin, Viola, Clarinet in B♭, Cello

Part D – Cello, Keyboard, Bass Clarinet in B♭

Percussion (3 players) (optional) – Small Drum, Handbell, Small Cymbal

How to use: This work for junior players is suitable for a quartet, chamber group, or small orchestra using any combination of any number of the instruments listed above. Brown Jug Polka is in four parts with an optional percussion part for three players; there are in general at least two different ability level options for each possible instrument. All you need to do is assign parts to the players in your ensemble while ensuring you have a satisfactory balance and blend of instruments. Some examples of instrument combinations include:

• Part A Violin(s) and Flute(s); Part B Violin(s) and Clarinet(s) in B♭; Part C Viola(s), Violin(s) and Clarinet(s) in B♭; Part D Cello(s); Percussion.
• Part A Flute(s) and Clarinet(s) in B♭; Part B Flute(s) and Clarinet(s) in B♭; Part C Clarinet(s) in B♭ and Cello; Part D Bass Clarinet(s) in B♭ and/or Keyboard(s).
• Part A Violin; Part B Clarinet in B♭; Part C Violin; Part D Cello; Percussion.
• String Quartet or Clarinet Quartet plus optional additional instruments.

But these are only some of the many options! The Flexible Ensemble Series gives you the opportunity to mix and match parts to suit the young musicians in your ensemble.