Tippette, Serenity for String Orchestra Grade 2 (FJH)

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)

Feature a guest artist or star student in this piece that includes an advanced level violin solo along with a more approachable solo for the younger, yet ambitious student. Well within the technical grasp of young orchestras, the music is designed to allow the soloist to display both technique and lyricism as the piece moves through a series of "diversions" held together by a common theme. Inspiring for your students and your audience! (4:30)

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)

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)

Apple Seed in My Banana by Lauren Bernofsky (Grade 3)

Dance of the Tumblers by Rimsky-Korsakov, arr. Bob Lipton Gr2.5