Perpetuum Vigorem (Stephen Chin) for String Orchestra
Whether dancing freely, creating something inspiring, or powering through a gym class, moving positively inspires this work, supported by driving rhythms, contrasting textures, and melodic lines.
Two great pieces for young players! "Guitar Lullaby" is based on a familiar melody with a wide range. Hold the instrument like a guitar. "Chit Chat" is a catchy call and response piece with syncopated rhythms.
1. Guitar Lullaby
2. Chit Chat
For String Orchestra Grade 1
These two delightful pieces of music are a must-have for young musicians! The first piece, "Guitar Lullaby," is based on a well-known ground bass melody that's easy to follow and allows students to explore a wide range of notes without any difficulty. It's played entirely with plucked strings, so upper string players may want to hold their instruments in a guitar-like position to get the full effect. The second piece, "Chit Chat," is a lively call-and-response piece that introduces basic syncopated rhythms to elementary string ensembles. It's an incredibly effective way to help young musicians develop their sense of rhythm and timing. Both pieces are so catchy and memorable that you'll find yourself humming them long after the performance is over!
1. Guitar Lullaby
2. Chit Chat
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Whether dancing freely, creating something inspiring, or powering through a gym class, moving positively inspires this work, supported by driving rhythms, contrasting textures, and melodic lines.
Two Italian Baroque masterpieces in contrast - Sarabande and Gigue. Simple melody with suspensions in Sarabande, orchestra showcases string crossings and quaver figuration in Gigue.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
Arcangelo Corelli (1653 - 1713) was a Baroque composer who set the standard for musical composition in his time. This piece is based on the last of his opus five violin sonatas, which includes twenty-four variations on the Spanish melody "La Follia". The arrangement presents five variations after the theme is introduced, with each upper-string section playing the tune fully against Corelli's original figurations. The main theme returns in an opulent manner.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
The Iching, a series of texts created by Emperor Zhou in the 9th century BC China, helps interpret thoughts and dreams. Its orchestral representation features an energetic section that paints a vibrant life in ancient China and concludes with thrilling cascades of repeated sixteenth notes.
A thrilling adventure with spies, detectives, and super sleuths trying to stop world domination. The catchy tune and unique harmonies will delight students. The piece features pizzicato, harmonics, and string crossing. Structured in rondo form, each section of the orchestra makes an appearance.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
The Gloria from the Latin Mass is a joyful and energetic piece for orchestra and two-part choir, inspired by the homage to God. It is easy to play, with alternative instruments covering several parts. Male voices can sing the two vocal parts an octave lower. Each orchestra section is featured in the interludes, and the piece concludes with a lively flourish.
For full orchestra and 2-part choir - Grade 3
Chin, Haydn Symphony No.60 1st Movement
This arrangement for strings is faithful to the original work with the added features of sharing the melodic lines, a slight editing of a few bars of the bass part, a violin 3 part and a keyboard realization. It is also an excellent way to develop Classical style spiccato in more advanced players.
This piece has three movements that explore different aspects of heat. It uses various techniques, such as pizzicato, legato melodies, staccato quarter notes, and double eighth notes, which are easy to manage for young players. It's a fun piece for any occasion!
1. Sparks
2. Smoke
3. Fire
For String Orchestra Grade 1