Angharad’s Feast," composed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Brisbane’s Western Suburbs String Orchestra and honor founder Andrea Messenger, premiered in November 2019. The piece represents a family gathering, with each string section symbolizing different family members: first violins as energetic children, second violins as guiding parents, violas as aunties and uncles, and double basses and cellos as wise grandparents. With a warm and charming folk-style theme, the composition beautifully encapsulates the spirit of family, music, and life.
In Welsh history, a revered noblewoman named Angharad was a wife and mother and lived a long, noteworthy life until 1162. Her husband’s biographer praised her as a handsome blonde, gentle, eloquent, generous, discreet, kind to her people, and charitable to people with low incomes. The name Angharad means “much loved.”
“Angharad’s Feast” was commissioned by the parents and friends of Brisbane’s Western Suburbs String Orchestra (WSSO) to celebrate its 30th anniversary and honour the ongoing contributions of founder and director Andrea Messenger. The premiere performance, presented by an alum ensemble at WSSO’s November 2019 concert, was a delightful surprise for Mrs. Messenger and concluded the event with great excitement.
“Angharad’s Feast” depicts a family gathering and meal, with each string section representing different family members across the generations. The first violins symbolise the children—enthusiastic, playful, and energetic. The second violins represent the parents, who gently guide, cajole, and encourage. The violas embody the voices of aunties and uncles, while the double basses and cellos signify wise grandparents.
The piece is warm, charming, and well-paced from the very first intimate folk-style theme. The musical parts are engaging and enjoyable to play, supported by a thoughtful structure that draws all themes from the initial subject. “Angharad’s Feast” is a fitting celebration of family, music, and life.
Fiddler's Farewell is a beautiful Gaelic-style music piece for middle and high school string players. It allows expressive playing with emphasis on phrasing and dynamics. Keith Sharp's arrangement involves all players with melody, harmony, and accompaniment roles. The music has technical challenges and lyrical possibilities to keep all ensemble members engaged. An optional piano part is available, but it is not essential. Graded at level 2.5, it's 3 minutes and 15 seconds long in E Aeolian Mode and related keys.
Australian composer and violinist Keith Sharp has created a flexible Celtic-sounding melody divided into three parts - a melody, harmony, and bass line. Each instrument has a melody part and an easier harmony part to accommodate players of different skill levels.
Keith Sharp is a Brisbane-based string educator and composer with a Bachelor of Music degree and a post-graduate diploma in education. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles, and his works are popular in Australia and abroad. Keith is also active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
"Emu Rag" by Keith Sharp is a fun and lively music piece for a grade 3 string orchestra. Its catchy rhythms and melodies make it an excellent choice for young musicians looking for upbeat and joyful music. It's popular among music educators and offers an opportunity to learn about different playing techniques and musical styles. Overall, it's a fantastic addition to any string orchestra's playlist.
Keith Sharp earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He's been a string educator in Brisbane since then, creating award-winning programs and compositions. His works are popular in Australia and internationally. Keith is also a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Keith Sharp's "Song Lines for String Orchestra" is an appealing musical composition that showcases Keith's love for vocal arrangements. This piece is primarily designed to help players improve their musical bow division and associated melodic direction while focusing on creating tonal beauty. The piece is graded at 2.5, making it suitable for primary school A/high school B or C. It lasts 3 minutes and 10 seconds, set in D Major and related keys.
Fun and original music for primary and junior high students. East meets West in a sing-along style. All parts are in the first position, except bass. It's a blast to play!
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He has won numerous awards for his exceptional string programs, compositions, and imaginative works. In addition to teaching, Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
"On the Road Again for String Orchestra (Level 2)" is a cheerful and lighthearted piece by Keith Sharp, suitable for primary school ensembles and younger middle school students. The music has a charming country sound that evokes the feeling of singing and driving. The contrast between folk-style rhythms and a legato theme creates a lovely balance in the music and helps to teach bowing techniques. The music is graded at level 2, with an approximate duration of 2:20, and is in the key of G Major.
Arabesque art features repeating geometric patterns, often found in mosques. The style mimics plants and animals and symbolises the unity of faith in Islam. Arabesques are also classical piano pieces, like Debussy's Deux Arabesques, composed in 1888 and 1891, featuring playful linking of simple melodies.
Keith Sharp has been a renowned string educator in Brisbane's Gap region since 1984. He has produced award-winning string programs and compositions well-known in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
Katie O'Hara LaBrie, Snow Day! for String Orchestra (Alfred Music)
Waking up on a cold winter day. Sledding. Hot chocolate. It's a snow day! Written by Katie O'Hara LaBrie, Snow Day! is craftily designed only using the notes of a D major scale. This highly accessible piece, with its bright melodies and jingle bell accompaniment will delight students and audiences.
