These works are perfect for the beginner string ensemble player. They continue the earlier publication titled "A Dozen Dazzlers." They feature unison, simple parts and call-response writing and prepare the players for the greater demands of a full-string orchestra. All parts have been meticulously crafted for ease of playing and to focus on essential ensemble skills such as pizzicato, legato, staccato, and harmonics. These attractive pieces will ignite the students' imaginations.
Embarking on the journey from being a beginner to playing in a string orchestra is an experience that is both exhilarating and rewarding. It is a wonderful voyage that requires persistence, dedication, and hard work.
These pieces are a perfect starting point for beginner ensemble players. They continue the earlier publication titled "A Dozen Dazzlers." The pieces include unison, simple parts, and call-and-response writing to help you prepare for the greater demands of playing in a full-string orchestra.
All the parts of these pieces have been meticulously crafted for near-beginner players. This means you can easily concentrate on essential ensemble skills while learning to play the violin or any other string instrument. These pieces expose you to various techniques such as pizzicato, legato, staccato, and harmonics. These techniques will help you develop your skills and prepare you for more complex pieces.
Furthermore, as you practice and play these attractive and evocative pieces, your imagination will run wild, and you will find yourself transported to different worlds and emotions. You will experience the joy of creating beautiful music and the satisfaction of seeing your hard work pay off.
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
After the snowy start, climbers get to work. The fast melody depicts their chiselling on an icy rock face. A calm middle section shows the view from the top before the chiselling continues down. Younger players will love this energetic piece with catchy tunes and strong harmonies.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
"Arctic Fire" is a mesmerising composition that takes the listener on a journey of tonal surprises. The sound of the first violin harmonics is piercing and ethereal, evoking the image of blowing ice in a desolate Arctic landscape. The piece features effective textures and shifts in melody, with even the bass having a significant solo. It's a powerful composition that inspires musicians to let their imaginations soar.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
We all love our pets, and each day brings new adventures! “Presto Puppies” features rising scale patterns and surprising dissonances, while “Cantabile Kitties” captures the subdued essence of our feline friends with major seventh intervals that evoke a kitten yawning. “Con Brio Birdies” portrays birds’ chatter through repeated quavers and gentle dissonances. The suite also showcases various techniques, including harmonics and different pizzicato styles.
Grieg's music is rooted in Norwegian folk songs. The "Watchman's Song" has a ghostly section conveyed through tremolo. A melancholic waltz follows, evoking a troll's cave. The contrast of keys and playing styles can refine any ensemble.
1. The Watchman's Song
2. Waltz
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
The Thirty Concert Pieces – Bass (Grade 1) with CD by Stephen Chin contains 30 accessible pieces for beginning double bass players. Designed for Grade 1, the collection develops technique, rhythm, intonation, expression, and performance confidence.
Key Features:
• Composer: Stephen Chin
• Instrument: Double Bass
• Level: Grade 1
• Contents: 30 pieces
• Developing players
• Performance repertoire
• Includes: CD
The musette is a small French bagpipe that gained popularity in Louis XIV's time. It has a consistent G note for beginners. The "Air" is a beautiful tune from Handel's opera "Rinaldo". The set ends with a jolly bourree by the prolific composer Georg Philipp Telemann.
1. Musette
2. Air
3. Bouree
For String Orchestra Grade 2
