Showcase your beginner strings and concert band in an orchestra with this fun rondo piece written in the Hungarian style. The wind, strings and full orchestra each have their own chance to shine, and the manageable note values and pitch repertoire make it perfect for novices.
If you're looking for a way to impress your audience with a performance that showcases your beginner strings and concert band in an orchestra, then this piece is the perfect choice for your ensemble! With its Hungarian-inspired style, the piece features a rondo form that allows each section of the orchestra, including the wind, strings and full orchestra, to be highlighted separately, creating a well-rounded and impressive performance. Not only that, but the manageable note values and pitch repertoire make it easy for even music-making novices en masse to have fun and enjoy a memorable evening of music!
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
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
Lords of the Loch is a festival piece for string orchestra, quartet, and optional string ensemble. It's inspired by Finlaggan, a Scottish loch with islands once ruled by lords known for producing and exporting harps.
For String Orchestra(s) Grades 1, 3.5 & 4
Carl Bohm (1844 - 1920) was a renowned composer and teacher for violinists. His famous pieces, "Moto Perpetuo" and "Galop," showcase double semiquavers and highlight the cellos in the latter. The work is shared around for everyone to shine.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
Experience a captivating musical journey to Kyoto with “Two Silk Screens from Kyoto” by Stephen Chin. This evocative string orchestra piece beautifully reflects Japanese culture through graceful melodies and intricate harmonies. Immerse yourself in its meditative ambiance, as the strings evoke vivid images of cherry blossoms and serene landscapes.
Stephen Chin: “These two pieces were inspired by my visit to Japan. They capture memories of the country's beauty, contrasting the elegance of cranes by a lake with the dynamic movements of samurai. I frequently used the Japanese scale, Hirajōshi, along with other pentatonic scales throughout the set.”
Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel is a beautiful piece for string orchestra. This arrangement includes optional adaptations to suit different instruments and grade levels. A universally cherished work, now more inclusive!
Kakadu National Park is known for its wildlife. One piece depicts sunrise over the water with improvisation. "Twilight Trek," the second piece, conveys a journey of adventure on foot with staccato notes, pizzicato melodies, and sudden fortes.
1. Sunrise at Kakadu
2. Twilight Trek
For String Orchestra Grade 1
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.
