This powerful work tackles the issue of bullying in schools from the perspective of a student. Making use of a quartet within the ensemble (either a standard quartet or an option of using a second cellist instead of viola), the piece moves between the voices of the lonely and their experiences. From moments of solitude to anguish and hope, this piece seeks to bring light to an issue that continues to plague schools worldwide. (5:15)
This spectacular arrangement features four movements from Tchaikovsky's famous Album for the Young. Opening with the endearing Morning Prayer, the piece then moves into the lighthearted waltz, The Hurdy-Gurdy Man. The beautiful Sweet Dream sets the stage for the delightful last movement, March of the Wooden Soldiers. Remarkably faithful to the original while also quite accessible to younger students! (6:30) https://www.youtube.com/embed/OWyCCVwxY9A
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)
