ABOUT THIS PIECE I composed Morris Dance after 'a close encounter' with a group of Morris Men in Bristol Docks. I stood a little too close for safety, and before I knew what was happening I had been whisked into their midst and was dancing with a jester and his balloon!

Although this piece is in the key of C major (all white notes), the appearance of B flat chords gives it that modal, folksy feeling. To capture the sounds of the day, you can experiment with whistle, accordion and fiddle, or whatever combination you enjoy. I use a march rhythm, running at about 100-120 beats per minute. You may also like to programme in some sleigh bells to imitate the bells on the dancers' legs, and some taps to copy the sound of their sticks crashing together overhead. You will see there are some leaps (as in bar 5, where D-G are played 8va, then down an octave and down a further octave). If you find it hard to 'hit the target' at speed, it is quite acceptable to play all three pairs of notes in the same place. The secret of playing the fast upward run (bar 8 etc) is to finger it with 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3.

PHOTOCOPYING Thank you for purchasing this piece of music. I hope it gives you great enjoyment. I write and arrange music for your playing pleasure. If I am to continue, I need to make my living doing so. If a friend asks you to copy this music, please say no. Each photocopy is a direct deduction from my income. Thank you for your co-operation.