Under the sea (The Little Mermaid) for beatbox flute quintet and piano-Alan Menken

Beatbox Flute Quintet & Piano · Arranged by Yu-Tai Cheng

Music by Alan Menken · Lyrics by Howard Ashman

A bright, bouncy song that children and families already know, arranged for five flutes and piano and designed for mixed-level groups. The five flute parts are graded from Flute 5 (most approachable) to Flute 1 (most demanding), so a studio class, youth ensemble or family group can all play the same piece together, with every player working at the right level.

Beatbox sounds (marked B, t, k and T in the score) add a steady groove under the tune, and the piano supplies the harmony. The arrangement builds through crescendos and a key change toward a loud, joyful finish, with a con brio passage that keeps the energy up.

Part-by-part guide

- Flute 1 (advanced): the most active part, leading the ensemble. Trains clear articulation, phrase shaping, and confident leadership of the group.

- Flute 2 (upper intermediate): works closely with Flute 1. Trains matching articulation, rhythmic precision and tuning against the lead line.

- Flute 3 (intermediate): a mix of rhythmic and melodic material with beatbox patterns. Trains coordination of notes and beatbox sounds, and steady inner-voice playing.

- Flute 4 (lower intermediate): simpler rhythms and longer notes with beatbox accents. Trains steady pulse, tone and listening to the other parts.

- Flute 5 (beginner): the most approachable part, with sparse notes and single beatbox hits. Trains counting rests, accurate entrances, steady tone and a first feel for ensemble playing.

What each player gains

1. Rhythm and groove: repeating beatbox patterns turn the pulse into something players can feel, not only count.

2. Ensemble joy: every level has a real musical role, so no one plays a "filler" part and the group sounds full from the first rehearsal.

3. Harmony awareness: with the piano underneath, players hear how their line fits the chords, and the key change gives a clear moment to listen for.

4. Growth path: students can move from Flute 5 to Flute 1 over time, practicing the same piece at the next level.

Rehearsal tips for mixed groups

1. Start with Flutes 4 and 5 plus piano, so everyone hears the groove first.

2. Add Flute 3, then Flutes 1 and 2.

3. Say the beatbox marks out loud before playing them on the flute.

4. Swap parts in later rehearsals so players experience the groove, the harmony and the lead.

What you get

- Score for Flute 1–5 and Piano (33 pages, PDF, instant download)

- Individual parts included

- 76BPM in half note ．Meter: 4/4

- Beatbox notation included in the flute parts

- Difficulty levels per part

About the arranger

Yu-Tai Cheng (鄭宇泰) is a Taiwanese flutist and composer, founder of Flute Gamer Studio (長笛玩家工作室), and author of 《Beatbox Flute》 and 《循環呼吸》. He is a pioneer of systematic beatbox flute and circular-breathing pedagogy in the Chinese-speaking world.