An excellent piece to introduce Early Music to students. Most rhythms are simple, with some quavers in the first violin part. Improvised percussion parts can be added for authenticity.
1. La Bergamesca
2. Schiralazula Marazula
3. Minni Amor
4. Dance
5. Il Canario
For String Orchestra Grade 1
This piece of music is an excellent resource for educators looking to introduce their students to the beauty of Early Music. Its simple yet captivating rhythms, mostly composed of crotchets and minims, with a few quavers in the first violin part, make it a great starting point. To enhance the authenticity of the performance and give it a more genuine sound, some improvised percussion parts can be included based on the performance practices of this period.
1. La Bergamesca
2. Schiralazula Marazula
3. Minni Amor
4. Dance
5. Il Canario
For String Orchestra Grade 1
The legend of Excalibur is an exciting tale that captivates young minds. King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, emerges from the waters, followed by a sword dance. The mysterious theme reappears before a thrilling finale. Written for advanced and elementary players, it's a fantastic piece for a string festival or an advanced orchestra.
For String Orchestra Grade 3 & 1.5 (advanced and optional elementary strings)
Genghis Khan, a feared warrior, and his soldiers ride through Mongolia into China. The piece's driving rhythms and accented chords create an atmosphere of strength and awe in battle. A gentler middle section uses the pentatonic scale, perhaps as Khan rests. The work concludes with a surge of energy as he moves towards his next battle.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
These quirky pieces are trinkets that can spark young musicians' imaginations. They cover many techniques, such as pizzicato, staccato, harmonics, and rapid eighth notes, which can help beginning orchestras build their skills in a fun way. The memorable tunes often shared around the orchestra will indeed have your students begging for more!
1. Busy Bikes
2. Sanpan in the Clouds
3. Elephants and Fleas
4. It's Raining Diamonds
5. Very Dark Elves
6. Tibetan Trinkets
7. King Bruce's Spider
8. Nullarbor
9. Dragon Crusher
10. Magical Mandolines
11. Fuji
12. Ice Train
For String Orchestra Grade 1
A captivating rendition of the popular birthday song with an exciting introduction, a slower version in a minor key, a lively variation, and a familiar major key ending. It's perfect for learning chromaticism and the G minor key.
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.
A funky rooster tune with staccato bowing and a catchy melody is featured in this rondo-style piece. The "cock-a-doodle-do" rhythm is present throughout, and the descending bass line adds to the rag-tune feel. Perfect for an early morning rehearsal!
For String Orchestra Grade 2
The Cliffs of Moher, rising about 200 meters above the Atlantic on Ireland's west coast, are home to many birds and sea life, such as grey seals and dolphins. In this work, I aimed to capture the feeling of sea spray, the beauty of green pastures, and the vibrant atmosphere of nearby towns, using musical textures such as pizzicato, sustained notes, bass melodies, and a reflective violin solo.
