It is a tradition in most English-speaking countries to sing this song at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to usher in the New Year. The words are at least partially written by Robert Burns and the words "Auld Lang Syne" literally mean "old long ago" or "the good old days", providing a moment of reflection before moving forwards into the New Year.
The tubular bells, although pitched, sound midnight when they enter at bar 10.
This arrangement was prepared for Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, to perform at First Night, Akron, Ohio, December 31st, 2007.
The following choreography is suggested:
Commence the performance with all the cornets scattered around the auditorium.
At the end of bar 18 invite the audience to sing along with the band.
At bar 27 the cornets move to stand in front of the other members of the band to lead to the stirring conclusion.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
