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.
The Royal Processional for String Orchestra by Timothy Jarvela is a majestic and uplifting composition that exudes grandeur. The piece opens with a solemn introduction that leads to a triumphant main theme. The melody builds in intensity, displaying the composer's skilful orchestration, culminating in a powerful and thrilling finale. Overall, the Royal Processional is a masterful showcase of the beauty and power of string music.
Circus Parade and Little Lullaby are two captivating pieces composed by Timothy Jarvela. Circus Parade is lively and joyful, while Little Lullaby is gentle and calming. Both showcase Jarvela's talent and the power of orchestral music to evoke emotions. Listen to them and feel inspired.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__tAcjqJejg
Rice Paddy Dreaming by Timo Jarvela helps young players learn dotted crotchet-quaver rhythms and introduces them to the col legno technique. The piece has a dreamy, soothing melody and should be played comfortably with a flowing tempo, complemented by the piano accompaniment.
This suite is perfect for young beginners. The Four Little Pieces use a limited range of notes and are mostly played in unison, but the piano part is still interesting. The suite includes a CD with multi-speed piano accompaniments, and the violin, viola, and cello parts can be performed individually as solos.
Contents:
• Curtain Raiser
• Little Belle's Waltz
• Back Street Boogie
• Cowboy Lane
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo7eRiQPD-k
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
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).
Dark Sea Crossing is a dramatic musical piece for grades 2-2.5 by Timo Jarvela. It takes the listener on a captivating journey through a treacherous sea, making it a challenging yet rewarding piece for any performer. Perfect for concerts and recitals, it's sure to please the crowd.
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.
