Ideal for a festival orchestra with players at different levels, this piece is based on the medieval melody "L'Homme Arme", depicting a sword-wielding warrior. The middle section features a violin solo as a lullaby reflecting the armed man's war experiences. The final section celebrates the armed man walking in the light of peace and liberty with the South African song "Simbayama".

For 4 string orchestras and untuned percussion - Grade 3.5, 2, 1.5 & 1

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.

Scotland offers diverse experiences. Skye Island has willow trees amidst breathtaking landscapes. Fiddlin' in Aberdeen is inspired by vibrant fiddle festivals. The piece features left-hand pizzicato, harmonics, and string crossings.

1. Willows of Skye 

2. Fiddlin' in Aberdeen

For String Orchestra Grade 1

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

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)

The music is a journey through the Mists of England, the lush green fields of Ireland, Wales's sublime beauty, and Scotland's invigorating highlands. The tunes and textures are vibrant, wistful, and unforgettable, making them perfect for any performance. Your players will be humming them long after the rehearsal is over.

Listen to #1 – Mists of the Winter Solstice

Listen to #2 – Road to County Derry

Listen to #3 – The Ballad of Lleucu Llwyd

Listen to #4 – Highland Swords

The musette is a small French bagpipe that gained popularity in Louis XIV's time. It has a consistent G note for beginners. The "Air" is a beautiful tune from Handel's opera "Rinaldo". The set ends with a jolly bourree by the prolific composer Georg Philipp Telemann.

1. Musette

2. Air

3. Bouree

For String Orchestra Grade 2

Simple music pieces with call-response writing can help beginners become confident playing in a full-string orchestra. Downloadable recorded accompaniments let students practice at their own pace. Teachers can use these pieces to transition students from solo playing to joining a string orchestra.

For String Orchestra Grade 0.5-1