String Ensemble Cello,Double Bass,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.813546 Composed by Shaker Song (attr. Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr.). Arranged by Regis Bookshar. Folk,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and parts. 13 pages. Regis Bookshar #6352535. Published by Regis Bookshar (A0.813546). String Octet - Intermediate - Digital Download. Simple Gifts ('Tis the Gift to Be Simple), an American Shaker Song, written in 1848 and attributed to Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr. of Alfred, Maine, would be a great addition to any music library. The song was largely unknown outside Shaker communities until Aaron Copland used its melody for the score of Martha Graham's ballet, Appalachian Spring, first performed in 1944. Simple Gifts has now been arranged for a String Octet, consisting of 3 Violins, 2 Violas, 2 Violoncellos and 1 Double Bass, by Regis Bookshar. This arrangement features the Double Bass on the melody. It is suitable for high school and college students, and, depending upon their ability, even elementary school students. Professional musicians would also enjoy playing this selection. It could be performed for concerts and church services. The Regis Bookshar Trumpet Ensemble has often performed it for Weddings. Included are a score and a complete set of parts (13 pages). In addition to this arrangement of Simple Gifts for a String Octet, other arrangements of this tune are also available. There are Quintets and Octets readily available for a wide variety of instrumental ensembles. Please feel free to search for other arrangements by Regis Bookshar as well, as there are numerous arrangements in a variety of styles, also available for purchase. You may find something else which might also interest you. Please continue to check periodically because I continue to add new arrangements as often as I can. I'm certain that this arrangement of Simple Gifts will continue to entertain both performers and audiences alike for years to come.
