Walk Like This!

Walk Like This! – flute choir
Walk Like This! – flute choir (4 C flute parts with alternative easier and slight harder flute 4 versions available) [mixed levels – elementary to intermediate, closed hole, standard C ft]

This hugely popular ensemble piece for concert flutes is to be played with a sense of fun and attitude!!! It was originally commissioned by Flutewise for Project Flutewise supported by the National Foundation for Youth Music with funding from the National Lottery. Composed in 2002 and first published in 2003.

For alternative flute versions see links below in the part listing. These versions can be downloaded for free to further increase the flexibility of the ensemble. These pdf parts are to be used with an original purchased copy of Walk Like This!

A pioneering work of its type Walk Like This aims to be relatively straightforward to put together and yet contain new challenges for the majority of players.  All parts contain easily accessible extended techniques which I appreciate may seem a little formidable at first, even to experienced players.  However, they are great fun and, with a little practice, will soon begin to fall into place. It is written for a range of playing standards which are outlined below.  Due to the nature of the piece an advanced player can have fun and a challenge playing parts other than ‘flute 1’.  The grade standard of grade 1-7 (ABRSM/Trinity UK) is a guide only and based on a relatively short practice period compared to an exam piece.

Walk Like This! has been workshopped and performed all over the world with groups of all sorts including by past presidents and programmed chairs of the NFA at the NFA! There all sorts of examples on YouTube.

Part 1 – Grade 6 +  range up to top B  
Part 2 – Grade 4 – 5 with a range up to top G
Part 3 – Grade 2 – 3 range up to top Eb (3rd 8ve)
Part 4 – Grade 1 – 2  range from low D to G (2nd 8ve)
Download versions: These versions can be downloaded for free to further increase the flexibility of the ensemble. These parts are to be used with an original purchased copy of Walk Like This.
Part 5 – Elementary version of Part 4 that can be used in addition to Part 4 or/and Part 4+
Part 4+ – a slightly more advanced version of Part 4  
This piece was originally commissioned by Flutewise for use on the third Project Flutewise tour.

N.B. The grades here refer to the UK’s Associated Board of the Schools of Music (ABRSM) or Trinity exam system.

“Easier Ian Clarke”

Staff Pick (Just Flutes)

Chris Hankin Just Flutes staff member – chrish@justflutes.com

This is what Chris Hankin had to say about Walk Like This and Spiral Lament:

Ian Clarke has produced another two gems to add to his already impressive catalogue of flute music. Both of these pieces are of a more approachable playing level than previous works and are a great way to introduce contemporary techniques to a younger audience. Spiral Lament (about giant African snails) includes some very basic new skills and its charm lies in the evocative nature of the music. Walk Like This! is a much more upbeat experience. Singing whilst playing, jet whistles and scat calls are all part of the fun – ‘vigour and attitude are definitely required here!’ – and its great virtue lies in the fact that it can be played by any number of people of any ability. Try them both – bet you have a great time!