The Willow Tree & Other English Folk Dances brings together the work of respected caller and dance composer Hugh Rippon with musical arrangements by Dave Mallinson, creating a dual-purpose collection of English country dances and traditional dance music.

Hugh Rippon became involved in folk dance and song in 1957 and joined the full-time staff of the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) in 1960. His work included teaching dancing, lecturing, writing and helping to establish new Morris sides. Over many years he became one of the country's most respected callers, teaching English folk dancing throughout England as well as in Holland, Belgium, France and America. His contribution to the tradition was recognised with the EFDSS Gold Badge.

This collection contains 26 of Hugh Rippon's favourite dances, including several of his own compositions alongside dances collected over the years. Each dance is accompanied by a short note about its origins, while Hugh's foreword provides a useful guide to the terminology used together with valuable advice for beginners and teachers.

The musical side of the collection was carefully developed to complement the dances. Fifty-two tunes from the English-speaking world have been selected and arranged to fit Hugh's dance instructions, with equal attention given to the choice of chords.

The result is a book that works equally well as a collection for callers and dancers and as a wide-ranging source of repertoire for country dance musicians. It combines established tradition with Hugh Rippon's own contribution as a composer and innovator within English folk dance.

Key Features:

• Collection of 26 English folk and country dances
• Dances selected by respected caller Hugh Rippon
• Includes several of Hugh Rippon's own compositions
• Includes dances collected over many years
• Short notes provide background to each dance
• Foreword explains dance terminology
• Useful notes for beginners and teachers
• Includes 52 carefully selected traditional tunes
• Musical arrangements by Dave Mallinson
• Tunes selected specifically to fit the dances
• Chord choices carefully arranged for accompaniment
• Suitable for callers, dancers and dance teachers
• Wide-ranging repertoire for country dance musicians
• Useful for folk dance clubs, bands and workshops
• Combines traditional dances with newer compositions rooted in the tradition
• Includes a FREE Hamcor Publishing Treble Clef Key Signature Bookmark

Whether used as a practical collection of English folk dances or as a source of traditional dance tunes, The Willow Tree & Other English Folk Dances offers a varied repertoire shaped by Hugh Rippon's decades of experience as a caller, teacher and composer, with music carefully selected and arranged by Dave Mallinson.

The dances and tunes are:

*** EXCLUSIVE FREE BOOKMARK OFFER ***

Every The Willow Tree & Other English Folk Dances music book includes a FREE Hamcor Publishing Treble Clef Key Signature Bookmark a practical reference tool to help with reading and learning key signatures.

• Premium 350gsm silk card, laminated and printed on both sides
• 210mm 55mm
• All major key signatures with their relative minor keys
• Staff note names for lines and spaces
• Ideal for flautists, students and teachers
• A useful companion for lessons, practice and exam preparation