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).

Ancient Odyssey by Timothy Jarvela is a captivating musical composition for a string orchestra that takes the listener on a journey through ancient times. The music is full of contrasts, with moments of intense drama followed by passages of quiet reflection. Overall, it is a beautiful and engaging piece of music that showcases Timothy Jarvela's talent as a composer.

Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fUNO4jXnzY

"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 

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.

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

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

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.

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.