Easy Street is a collection of six short pieces suitable for beginner string students. The pieces have a limited note range (open strings, octave harmonics and the notes of the D string) and feature unison playing. They use repeated notes and simple rhythmic patterns, making them easy to learn and ideal as confidence-building performance pieces. A piano part provides the musical context for the pieces, which is also available as a backing track on the Laker Music website.
"A Mixed Bag" is a collection of six popular folk songs and nursery rhymes, including Frere Jacques, Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had A Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle, Au Claire de la Lune, and This Old Man. This arrangement presents them in interesting and sometimes surprising harmonic contexts, which makes it appealing to both young players and audiences. The instrumentation includes Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3/Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano. The piece has a duration of 3.00 minutes and is graded 1.5.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-qWhs9Q-UM
"High Seas Adventure" is a musical composition with a distinct nautical theme. The captivating tune is passed around the orchestra, taking young players on an exciting journey aboard an old sailing ship. Brace yourself for some dramatic moments!
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nolkHmdeoZU
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.
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
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.
"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.
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
