Apple Seed in My Banana by Lauren Bernofsky (Grade 3)
Apple seed in my banana by Lauren Bernofsky (FJH Music Company) Take your string orchestra in a new direction with this infectiously catchy tune. Written by a seasoned composer of pedagogical music for strings, the piece features extremely playable chromatic passages. The most notable feature of the piece is an optional vamp section, which allows players to improvise a solo as the orchestra accompanies. Unleash your players’ creativity, and prepare to be amazed by what your students can do! (3:00) Contains: 1 Conductors full score 8 Violin 1 8 Violin 2 5 Violin 3 (Viola TC) 5 Viola 5 Cello 5 Double Bass
This authentic and vibrant work brings the sound and spirit of Mariachi to the string orchestra! Complete with strumming passages, catchy syncopated figures, and energetic melodies, the piece also includes parts for an optional guitar ensemble to really add some flavor! Many principal players have solo opportunities in this passionate, colorful salute to traditional Mexican music. Unique and a ton of fun! (3:00)
Voyage of the Dragon Armada (The Maritime Expeditions of Zheng He) by Loest (FJH)
Dance of the Trolls for String Orchestra ( by Mike Forbes Grade 4.5 )
This brilliant march in grand concert style works beautifully for strings! A powerful melodic line combines with strong rhythms and moving harmonic shifts as the piece unfolds. After a wonderful exchange of the opening themes, the piece moves into an energetic coda with a riveting ending. A perfect performance piece at concert or festival as well as an ideal change of pace for any program! (2:00)
Embark on a journey across the high seas with Neridah Oostenbroek's gusty piece that captures the rogue nature of Caribbean pirates. Featuring contrasting sections and techniques such as harmonics, pizzicato, and double stops, there is never a dull moment. Sure to be a student favorite! (2:45)
In a world of sorcerers, magic, elven warriors, and fantastical creatures, anything is possible. This musical adventure continues the story from Thomas's popular Land of Dragons. In this chapter, a lively band of warriors join the quest. The music includes fierce rhythmic interplay, syncopation, and soaring melodies. A solo ocarina (optional violin or flute) and a lively percussion section add to the cinema-style orchestration. An entrancing addition to your concert program! (3:30)
Commissioned by the National String Project Consortium, this gorgeous lyrical work can be performed alone as an intermediate level piece, or with multi-level supplemental parts (available separately) for beginning and developing string students. Orchestrated to celebrate inclusion and diversity, the multi-level option is designed to sound far "greater than" the intermediate version alone. Not your traditional festival orchestra piece by any means. (Grade 3, Dur 5:40)
