The circus is thrilling! The Carousel waltz shares the melodic line. In Siberian Tigers, players can project a robust tone and imagine the majestic tigers. Happy-Sad Clowns contrasts major and minor tonalities.
1. Carousel
2. Siberian Tigers
3. Happy-Sad Clowns
For String Orchestra Grade 1
As the sound of trumpets fills the air, the crowd roars with excitement. The circus is a place of wonder and joy, where people of all ages come together to experience the thrill of the show. The Carousel, a waltz that shares the melodic line between its parts, is a simple yet elegant piece that teaches young musicians the art of playing off the beat. In Siberian Tigers, the strings of the instruments are struck with force to produce a robust tone that echoes the strength and majesty of the tigers that roam around in the minds of the players. Meanwhile, Happy-Sad Clowns contrasts the joyous tones of a major key with the melancholic notes of a minor key, taking the audience on an emotional journey through the familiar finger patterns of the players.
1. Carousel
2. Siberian Tigers
3. Happy-Sad Clowns
For String Orchestra Grade 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
This set of twelve short pieces is for basic orchestras and helps young musicians learn important string techniques. The pieces incorporate hissing, slapping of instruments, foot stomping, and improvisation to make playing in a string ensemble more enjoyable.
1. Pickin' 'n' Peckin'
2. Desert Nights
3. War Zone
4. Bagpipes
5. Attack of the Flying Insects
6. Raindrops
7. A Pirate's Shanty
8. Valse Enchante
9. Silk
10. Hootenanny Hoedown
11. Russian Easter Hymn
12. Surf's Up!
For String Orchestra Grade 1
"Two pieces, one idea: work hard, play hard. "The Volga Boatmen" has a shared melody and well-crafted counter-melodies. "Two Guitars" is fun and infectious, exploring spiccato quavers."
1. The Volga Boatmen
2. Two Guitars
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
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
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
Mazas, a renowned composer, is known for his effective etudes and chamber ensemble works. This duet for two violins, dating back to the early 19th century, showcases the late Classical and early Romantic styles. The music is characterized by sharp rhythms and lyrical melodies, making it an excellent choice for a String Orchestra at level 3.5.
Originally written for wind ensemble and later arranged for pianoforte, these charming movements have been carefully placed to give the sense of a fully integrated work. Some elements of this work are similar in vein to Mozart's famous "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik." Advanced intermediate players will enjoy the challenges of spiccato quavers, martele crotchets, measured tremolo, and lifted upbows, which are a must for developing precision and clarity in a more advanced string ensemble.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
