Fiddle Tune is a simple melody in A and D major that helps young players move their bow arms. It can be played in unison, and octave harmonics are optional. An optional tacet at ‘B’ and “pizz ‘n slap” accompaniment provide a final challenge.
Ostinato Mysteriato is a mature-sounding piece in A Mixolydian. It’s based on a repeating pattern passed around the orchestra, which challenges young players. The piano part is optional but adds a nice touch.
Fiddle Tune is a simple yet effective tune designed to move young bow arms. Most of the piece is played in unison, and the keys used - A and D major - allow finger patterns to be easily transferred to adjacent strings. While octave harmonics enable the left hand to be mobile, they are not essential to perform the piece. An optional tacet at ‘B’ in some or all of the parts - except for celli and bass - can provide a nice change in texture. The “pizz ‘n slap” accompaniment by the celli and basses, combined with an accelerando, provides a final challenge in coordination and brings the piece to an exciting conclusion!
Ostinato Mysteriato is based on a short ostinato pattern passed around the orchestra. The Mixolydian tonality based on ‘A’ makes for a mature-sounding piece at the ‘easy end’ of the spectrum, which may also suit slightly older players in the early stages of learning. The independence of melodic parts and rhythmic elements provides some challenges to young players. The piano part, while optional, adds a nice touch to the piece.
Timo Jarvela has been teaching string playing in primary and secondary schools in the Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, and Caboolture districts since 1995. He also spent a year teaching violin in the Kaustinen Shire of his native Finland during 1993-1994. Timo holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Qld Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University. As a violinist, he has performed with various ensembles and orchestras, including the Qld Symphony Orchestra, the Qld Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Qld Youth Orchestra.
In 1996, Timo founded the Pine Rivers Area String Orchestra (PRASO) to promote string playing in his local community. His aim was to provide young string players with musical opportunities through various ensembles, ranging from fiddle bands to chamber orchestras. Since 2013, these ensembles have come under the banner of MYME (Moreton Youth Music Ensembles), reflecting the change of name in the shire.
In recognition of his services to music in the community, Timo was awarded the Pine Rivers Shire Council’s Australia Day Cultural Award in 2003.
Windward Waltz for String Orchestra is a graceful and elegant composition by Timo Jarvela that evokes a feeling of calmness and relaxation. The piece showcases the composer's skilful ability to weave together intricate melodies and harmonies into a cohesive and harmonious whole. Overall, it's a beautiful and enchanting piece of music that will delight audiences of all ages.
"Fiddlin' to Freedom" is a Timo Jarvela composition for string orchestra. The piece starts with a spiritual-style intro, followed by a lively gospel-style tune with a distinct fiddlin flavour. The instrumentation includes Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3/Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano. It's graded at level 2 and has a duration of 3.00.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNL8dTNcjnY
"Storm Rider for String Orchestra" is a fast-paced, Grade 2.5 composition by Timothy Jarvela that tells the thrilling story of a lone rider escaping their pursuers on a stormy night. The piece demands good ensemble precision and supple bow work from all players, making it a challenging and rewarding piece for intermediate-level string orchestras.
Iron Horse Express is a Grade 2 piece that musically depicts a steam train on its journey. It captures the sounds of bells, whistles, and hissing steam. Before steam locomotives, horses pulled rail cars and wagons along tracks. The piece features optional vocal effects for escaping steam but is not essential to the performance. Placing bows down for the pizzicato passages can help maintain a steady tempo.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e-t_l9vItA
"Evening Prayer for String Orchestra" by Timo Jarvela is a beautifully crafted and meditative piece that showcases the power and beauty of string instruments. It's a perfect choice for relaxation or reflection.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkRWmtn8kzU
March of the Titans is a thrilling Grade 2.5 composition by Timo Jarvela. The piece features bold melodies, strong rhythms, and driving percussion, making it an excellent choice for any young band looking to showcase their skills and impress their audience. Overall, it's a memorable and well-structured piece that builds to a dramatic climax, leaving a lasting impression on all who hear it.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH-C2CX7JdI
Level 0.5-1 is a beginner piano set. It includes two Russian-style pieces with a solo violinist. There are two versions of Harmonic Rock. "Where the Wind Blows" is a D-grade primary school piece for second-year learners with expressive left-hand techniques.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvX6-79Oz0o
Laker Music - suppliers of educational music for student string orchestras /ensembles. Level 1 Instrumentation: Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola/Violin 3, Cello, Bass, Piano, Tambourine (optional).
