Mark Goddard

Plain Sailing - Bb Instruments' Book

The Plain Sailing Series presents very easy music wherein each of the five short pieces sounds good in two, OR three OR four OR more parts on practically any combination of instruments. Written originally for use in group flute tuition, Plain Sailing has since been used as the basis for ensemble music-making for everything from primary school recorder lessons to adult education string workshops, to spontaneous music making at surprise parties ... etc.

The secret to the music's flexibility is the format — no parts — just hand out complete scores to each participant, in the appropriate version. There are currently six books which cover most possibilities, available separately or in economical "packs".

The Books

TREBLE CLEF BOOK IN C C954
BASS CLEF BOOK IN C C955
TREBLE CLEF BOOK IN Bb C956
TREBLE CLEF BOOK IN Eb C957
TREBLE CLEF BOOK IN F . C958
ALTO CLEF BOOK IN C C959

The Packs

WOODWIND PACK C960
(TREBLE CLEF IN C, Bb, Eb and BASS CLEF)
BRASS PACK C961
(TREBLE CLEF IN Bb, Eb, F and BASS CLEF)
STRINGS PACK C962
(TREBLE CLEF IN C, ALTO AND BASS CLEF)

For each of the five short pieces, parts 2, 3 and 4 are optional. However, two, three, four or more players can be added with a proportional thickening of texture and interest. The bass version has an additional fifth part which should be played as a priority in the presence of other treble instruments. Parts are notated NOT in order of difficulty, but of musical importance. Part two, while sometimes being the easiest to play, holds the key harmony notes, while the fourth part occasionally provides a descant.