La Tempesta di Mare is the overture to Salieri's opera, Cesare in Farmacusa. It narrates the journey of the young Julius Caesar as he sails through a treacherous storm to Farmacusa, near Sicily. The plot is filled with pirates, gypsy lovers, and, of course, Roman gods, providing much entertainment for audiences of that time.

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

This suite of three unique pieces is perfect for beginners looking to improve technique and musicianship. Dedicated to Andrea Messenger OAM and the Western Suburbs String Orchestra community, inspiring young musicians everywhere.

The French court of the 17th and 18th centuries was renowned for its grandeur and beauty, envied by all composers in Europe. These three works embody that spirit.

1. Marche pour la Ceremonie des Turcs

2. Les Baricades Misterieuses

3. Tambourin

For String Orchestra Grade 3

Martin Peerson's "The Fall of the Leafe" depicts a beautiful autumn day with descending notes. Susato's "Battle Pavan" was part of court entertainment and featured a call-and-response style.

1. The Fall of the Leafe

2. Battle Pavan

For String Orchestra Grade 2.5

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.

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.