Pavane And Lesquercarde (FJH)

By Brian Balmages

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)

Silent Night for String Orchestra (Arr. by Eric Morales, Grade 4)

By Mekel Rogers

This cleverly titled work includes three famous themes from The Planets. The swooping and fluttering sounds of Mercury, the Winged Messenger give way to the mystical tone clusters and serenity of Venus, the Bringer of Peace. The arrangement closes with the iconic militant ostinato and extreme dissonance of Mars, the Bringer of War. An exceptional arrangement. (4:30)

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)

Voyage of the Dragon Armada (The Maritime Expeditions of Zheng He) by Loest (FJH)