Description

Instrumentation: Flute 1, Flute 2 / Descant Recorder, Clarinet in Bb, Violin 1, Violin 2, Accordion / Piano / Guitar and Cello / Bass.

These three traditional jigs provide a most appropriate set of tunes for the lively and well-loved dance known as the “Waves of Tory”. Renowned for its ‘dipping and diving’ figure, the dance is a favourite at Ceilidhs.

Each of the tunes in this set needs to be played to a particular pattern in order to generate the required 48-bar sequence and, therefore, care should be taken to follow the letters given at the beginning of each tune, especially as each is different. To generate the necessary 5 tunes for this dance, the simplest thing to do is to play through the set and then reverse it, giving an overall Arch shape, i.e. tunes 1 2 3 2 1.

The tunes also work well as a concert item and as a ‘fun’ piece for small ensembles to play. The arrangement is, as ever, flexible, with the melody and countermelodies playable on any suitable instrument. Minimal requirements are melody and rhythmic accompaniment.

The arrangement is also eminently suitable for GCSE / KS4 work.

Remember it is music for dancing and enjoy!