Origins

By Brian BalmagesFull Orchestra Conductor Score & PartsGrade: 4

arr. Deborah Baker Monday

Perpetual Fiddle Motion by Brian Balmages Gr2.5

This nautical-themed piece starts with violas and cellos evoking the swell of waves. The seconds create sea breeze sounds; the first violin plays the main theme energetically. Everyone gets a chance to participate, and the middle section featuring cellos is eerie. The suspenseful wait for the sea breezes to pick up again adds to the effect, and the piece ends with a fun and lively section.

For String Orchestra Grade 1.5

Fred Hubbell, March of the Metro Gnome String Orchestra (Kendor Music)

Designed as a first concert piece for beginners, this enduring favourite (released in 1968) limits rhythms to nothing shorter than a quarter note, includes no slurs, provides ample bowing reminders, and may even be performed minus basses without sacrificing musical integrity. The percussion part for wood block, however, must be used since its steady quarter-note pulse represents the sound of a metronome.

The Dancing Peppers is a charming and light-hearted piece featuring repeated figures reminiscent of a familiar Mexican theme. The work is fun to play, yet teachers will find it packed with wonderful elementary string teaching points that help encourage both left- and right-hand technical development and refinement.