

Funky and the Bass Cats for String Orchestra by Anne Svendsen
This is sure to be a great concert closer! Funky and the Bass Cats does much more than just feature the basses. It explores the world of swing eighth note versus straight eighth notes with a very cool and bluesy passage that swings, and a very Mozartian classical passage that doesn’t swing. It’s great fun and a memorable way to learn rhythms. First violins do a little work in third position and, of course, basses do a very funky walking bass line. This “groovy” piece will challenge rhythmically while introducing flats and FUN to the entire orchestra.
Mozart composed over 30 violin sonatas during his lifetime. Among these works, only one sonata stands out for being entirely in a minor key. This particular sonata is known for its dark, brooding and energetic nature. It also features spiccato and martele articulations, which were crucial to the Classical style of music. This piece is appropriate for Grade 4 string orchestras.