Product Description
"One Tin Soldier," written by Brian Potter and Dennis Lambert, is a folk-rock song first recorded in 1969 by the Canadian group The Original Caste. The song gained widespread recognition when it was used as the theme for the 1971 film Billy Jack. Featuring a poignant anti-war message, the lyrics tell a parable about greed and the futility of conflict, set against the backdrop of a mountain kingdom and a valley people who go to war over hidden treasure, only to discover too late that the treasure was a message of peace.
The song's haunting melody and powerful storytelling resonated with audiences during the Vietnam War era and have since made it a staple of protest music. It was later covered by several artists, including Coven, whose version brought the song additional popularity in the United States. "One Tin Soldier" continues to be celebrated for its timeless message advocating for understanding and harmony over violence.
This clarinet choir arrangement unfolds at a tempo markedly slower than most recordings, a deliberate choice meant to deepen its emotional impact. The melody, imbued with hope, stands in poignant contrast to the relentless tide of humanitys struggleour inability to release the grip of hatred and violence. In this juxtaposition, the music serves as both a lament and a beacon, urging reflection on the enduring conflict between despair and the possibility of peace.
Alternate parts are provided to cover the Eb piccolo clarinet and Eb alto clarinet for ensembles without these instruments. The optional double/electric bass part doubles the Eb contra alto clarinet, which for the most part doubles the Bb contra bass clarinet at the octave.
One Tin Solder was originally recorded in the key of D major with one key change into Eb major. This arrangement has been lowered one whole step to better suit the full expressive range of the clarinet, as well as avoid opening in an unusually sharp key signature.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.