"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.
"Storm Rider for String Orchestra" is a thrilling musical composition that tells a story with its notes. The piece starts with a lone rider galloping at a frantic pace through the driving rain of a stormy night. As the rider charges across the plain, bolts of lightning illuminate dark figures in close pursuit. The music creates a sense of urgency and tension, conveying the rider's desperate attempt to outrun their pursuers.
The fast tempo and dynamic changes of "Storm Rider" make it an exciting piece to play and listen to. Every member of the string orchestra has a crucial role to play in bringing the story to life. The piece demands good ensemble precision and supple bow work from all players. They will transport the audience to the stormy plain where the lone rider is fighting for survival as they work together to create a seamless and cohesive sound. "Storm Rider" is a Grade 2.5 composition perfect for intermediate-level string orchestras looking for a challenging and rewarding performance piece.
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.
"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
"Headin' West" is a suite of three pieces inspired by the Australian bush. They reflect wallabies, night sky, and rodeo events. Piano is recommended.
Contents:
• Wallaby Hop
• Starry Night Waltz
• Rodeo!
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.
"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
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
"Pine Rivers Hoedown" is a lively, hoedown-style musical piece perfect for young players. Each part has a strong melody, with the bass providing rhythm and harmony. If a bass is unavailable, the piano part covers the line. Consider an additional desk for 1st violins, as the 2nd violins and violas share the same part. It's a fun and upbeat piece that young players will enjoy.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTLvtHVXJg4
Laker Music - suppliers of educational music for student string orchestra/ensembles.
Level 0.5
Instrumentation: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano
