Rousing sea shanteys are a popular listening trend, and here is one, arranged by Bob Phillips, that students can soon play! Perfect for most second-year players or even those at the end of the first year of instruction, this catchy folk tune, The Wellerman, uses quarter notes, paired eighths, and dotted quarters. The cello and bass parts are doubled, everyone gets the melody, and everyone stays primarily in first position. Most likely originating in the 1830s in New Zealand, the lyrics describe waiting for supplies to be delivered by ship by the Wellerman brothers. (1:45)

The Wellerman

Composer: Traditional Sea Shanty
Arranger: Bob Phillips
Publisher: Alfred Music
Series: Sound Innovations Series for Strings