Simple music pieces with call-response writing can help beginners become confident playing in a full-string orchestra. Downloadable recorded accompaniments let students practice at their own pace. Teachers can use these pieces to transition students from solo playing to joining a string orchestra.
1. Scooter Ride | 8. Hymn |
2. Two’s Company | 9a. Open String Czardas |
3. Lament | 9b. Harmonic Czardas |
4. Windmills | 10. Siberian Shivers |
5. Topsy Turvy | 11. Cycle Circuit |
6. Innocence | 12. Mango Tango |
7. Sun Shower |
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For String Orchestra Grade 0.5-1
For beginner players, joining a string orchestra can be a daunting experience. These little gems, however, are specifically designed to help make the transition smoother. The pieces are written in unison, with simple parts and call-response writing that prepares players for the more complex demands of playing in a full-string orchestra.
The pieces also expose young players to a wide range of techniques, including pizzicato, legato, staccato, and harmonics. These techniques are essential for developing a solid foundation in string playing and will help students to develop their skills and confidence.
Your students will be eager to play their favourite Dazzler pieces repeatedly, each time discovering new nuances and subtleties in the music. With the downloadable recorded accompaniments, they can practice and perform at their own pace, with both practice and performance speeds available.
These pieces are an excellent resource for teachers looking to help their students leap from solo playing to joining a string orchestra.
For String Orchestra Grade 0.5-1
David Maddick compiled “Chinwagging” from the most popular tunes in “Thirty Concert Pieces” by Everything String. The piece teaches fundamental string techniques to young ensemble members, such as legato bowing, string crossing, re-taking, and right/left-hand pizzicato. It’s an enjoyable and solid introduction to foundational concepts.
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Beijing's summer gardens are a wondrous place for a nocturnal stroll. "Jasmine Nights" and "Dragon Fire" are two musical pieces that capture the essence of the city's beauty and excitement.
1. Jasmine Nights
2. Dragon Fire
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
The Midnight Serenade starts with faint calls of the night. The haunting melody is shared throughout the piece over a waltz-like accompaniment. Dark Train is a dynamic composition based on a simple three-note ostinato, with whistle effects that excite younger players.
1. Midnight Serenade
2. Dark Train
For String Orchestra Grade 1
The Swans of Lir is an Irish legend about young children turned into swans by dark forces. The melody and accompaniments in "The Lake" reflect their helplessness, while "The Rejoicing" celebrates their eventual transformation back into children. The piece is scored for strings, recorders and percussion and is perfect for large concerts or festivals.
Get ready for an adventure! This dynamic piece takes you on a journey where the high-pitched first position harmonics, sul ponticello, and arco/pizz create a sea-faring atmosphere. The repeated quavers keep the sense of a voyage underway. Each section of the ensemble eagerly awaits their turn to play the gorgeous melodies that abound in this dynamic work.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
This piece gradually expands harmony from a unison note, highlighting interesting texture. Younger musicians learn dissonance through gentle tonal clashes, while elementary players explore different bow speeds and lengths. It's a great introduction to the power of a string orchestra.
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Pleyel, a renowned musician and entrepreneur in early 19th century Paris, wrote a beautiful piece for two violins in the late Classical style. The piece follows the sonata form and features a brooding first theme contrasted with an impish second theme played in staccato quavers. The movement ends with a lively duel between the violins, adding vibrancy and passion to the piece. Your orchestra will love it!
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
