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
Level 0.5-1 is a collection of beginner pieces for piano learners. The piano part is essential to carry the early learners. There are two pieces in the Russian style - one with open strings and marching steps at B, while the piano shows off, followed by a solo violinist (could use advanced students or teacher). Harmonic Rock has two versions - open G and with G harmonics. Students can then move to the tricky version of learning left-hand movement from open G to harmonic G to fingered G. "Where the Wind Blows" is a very expressive piece for learners in their second year. It involves left-hand pizzicato, legato arco, 1st/2nd me bars, and using C natural in the cello part (unison). It is a D Grade Primary School piece.
"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
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).
Riverfiddle is an intermediate-level piece for string orchestra by Timo Jarvela. The lively melody, dynamic contrasts, and syncopated rhythms make it a fun and engaging addition to any performance.
"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.
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
Composed by Timo Jarvela, Carriage Ride is a lively and fun piece perfect for Grade 1 piano students. The piece starts with a cheerful introduction and progresses to a playful and energetic melody, providing an engaging and entertaining experience for students to develop their skills and musicality.
"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
