

Brave Spirit for String Orchestra Level 3
Inspired by the autobiography 'Chinese Cinderella', this spirited and unique string work incorporates a pentatonic scale to help paint a picture of a young Chinese woman who struggles for acceptance in a primarily patriarchal society. The work begins with a duet between violin and cello, symbolizing a conversation between the girl and her grandfather, before taking off into a joyful dance. The middle section reflects the inner peace that the author, Ms. Mah, strived for, before returning to the more lively melody. Brave Spirit is a unique work in the string literature and has a powerful story to tell that your students will surely be enthralled by!
From its opening chords to its strong finish, Drive races forward, alternating between syncopated rhythms and soaring melodies. Beginning in the key of A minor, two opposing melodic patterns emerge. The use of silence becomes an effective change of pace as the piece modulates to B minor, recapping familiar motives to a lively finish with all forces at fortissimo! (3:22)
This classic work was adapted/extracted from a larger scored work that Joseph Haydn wrote while in the service of Prince Nicholas Esterhazy. The original work contained a number of wind parts that in this arrangement have been excluded, but this fine arrangement works beautifully nonetheless as a string-only work. Playing the Rondo-Finale will introduce your students to the well-proportioned pleasures of Classical music, as well as the rondo form. (3:22)
In this wonderfully evocative piece of music Bobrowitz describes a deep water dive to find a long lost city. This compelling musical journey conveys a sense of ever-deepening awe at the magical underwater seascape. All sections of the orchestra contribute to the melodic fabric of this unique musical journey. (4:16)
Ivan Ivanovici, Romanian Waltz for String Orchestra. Arranged by Cameron Law. Published by Grand Mesa Music.
Space Ninja is an energetic piece for young orchestra and percussion. Featuring an accentuated spiccato rhythmic melody, this composition combines Eastern sounds with sonorous Western harmonies. It is a great piece to introduce the key of C Major/A minor to a young string group, and the excitement generated by the unique rhythmic approach and percussion will provide for a great change of pace on any program. (1:48)