The Abandoned Funhouse by Brian Balmages Written for the true beginner, this piece takes the listener on an eerie tour that can best be described as an unsettling experience with a touch of curiosity and anxiousness. Piano and optional celesta (playable on a keyboard) create a haunting background reminiscent of a film score. Instruments move mostly by stepwise motion and all string crossings involve an open string. No eighth notes are used, and many instruments use only 5 or 6 notes (while violin 1 uses a one octave D Major scale). Highly playable and extremely engaging! (Approximately 2 minutes duration)
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)
This arrangement is rich with pedagogical and musical opportunity! Written by a 16-year-old Mozart, it is in Rondo form with distinct key centers to establish hand patterns and excellent intonation. It uses sudden dynamic changes for dramatic effect, reinforces off-the-string bowing, and further develops speed and facility in the left hand. A complete package from the Classical era! (3:45)
Feature every section of your orchestra in this swashbuckling piece! Three distinct "pirate" themes are given to the violins, violas, and cellos/basses to allow all players a chance to shine. All seafaring melodies stay in first position with minimal low-two finger patterns and lots of doubling for a big, full sound. Each section takes an adventurous turn into new tonalities before joining forces at the end for a triumphant finale! (Grade 1.5, Dur 2:40)
Contemporary and fresh, this energetic romp is shrouded in a sense of excitement and anticipation. Highly rhythmic with a pop flair, the melody combines with an infectious rhythmic groove and hip bass line to keep everything driving forward. A rousing ensemble ending pulls out all the stops - a sure crowd pleaser! (3:45)
