This suite of three contrasting movements is perfect for young string players. It includes fun techniques like tremolo, pizzicato, harmonics, tapping, and even screaming. Bumps in the Dark is thrilling, Far Away Dreams is gentle and thoughtful, and Shooting Stars is exciting. The suite encourages active listening within the ensemble.
Listen to #1 – Bumps in the Dark
This suite of three contrasting movements is a delightful musical journey that is sure to captivate the hearts and minds of young string players. With a range of techniques such as tremolo, pizzicato, harmonics, tapping, and even screaming, beginners will have a blast exploring the various sounds and textures. The first movement, Bumps in the Dark, is a thrilling and suspenseful piece that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats. The second movement, Far Away Dreams, is a gentle and introspective piece that allows young players to explore the beauty of lyrical playing. The final movement, Shooting Stars, is a majestic and awe-inspiring piece that evokes a sense of wonderment about the celestial spheres. Throughout the suite, the melodic interest is shared among various sections of the orchestra, encouraging active listening and collaboration within the ensemble.
Listen to #1 – Bumps in the Dark
Gobi Desert warriors, led by Genghis Khan, ride to China. The music's eighth notes, dissonant chords, and pounding melody vividly portray their might in battle. A calm pentatonic section shows them resting at night before moving mercilessly to the next fight.
This is a shorter version of a musical piece for string orchestra, based on a longer version for massed strings. The piece is inspired by Samuel Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner", which tells the story of a ship at sea that experiences misfortune after an albatross is killed. The work expresses feelings of loss and grace. The faster section of the piece depicts the ship being tossed around by the rough ocean.
For String Orchestra Level 4
This piece gradually expands harmony from a unison note, highlighting interesting texture. Younger musicians learn dissonance through gentle tonal clashes, while elementary players explore different bow speeds and lengths. It's a great introduction to the power of a string orchestra.
For String Orchestra Grade 1
This music game is excellent for elementary programs, offering imaginative titles like “The Still Before the Storm” and “Fairy Floss”. It teaches students about keys, orchestral textures, and various techniques in an accessible way, promoting an early appreciation of music's tone color.
1. Gekko Echo
2. Still before the Storm
3. Jumpin' Jumbucks
4. Valse Sentimentale
5. Rickshaw Rally
6. Morning Star
7. Fairy Floss
8. March of the Stick Insects
9. Sunset Sarabande
10. Riding the Rapids
11. Hiccups
12. Sleepy Sandman
13. Ostinato Odyssey
14. A Stately Minuet
15. Bubbles
16. Fiddle Stick Fury
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Hand-picking cotton is a gruelling task. 19th-century rural Americans sang to support each other. This piece starts with different players for each bar, evoking the image. The "Praising Song" celebrates the end of a tough day. An elementary ensemble will shine playing the double quavers, pizzicati, and syncopated beats.
1. Cottonfield Calls
2. Praising Song
For String Orchestra Grade 1
This original composition for string orchestra is filled with dynamic rhythms and fiery melodic motifs, which will bring an electrifying energy to any concert program!
