

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.
Arabesque art consists of a series of repeating, interlocking geometric patterns that often echo the forms of plants and animals. To followers of Islam, the arabesques symbolise their united faith and are usually found decorating the walls of mosques. As an ornamental frieze or border, the Arabesque's continuous elaborations - leaf-like and curlicued, in which each leaf grows out of the tip of another - have their counterparts in music, which is primarily decorative rather than emotional in its intent.
Arabesques are often classical piano pieces in music, usually in 2/4 or 4/4 meter. Best known of these are perhaps Debussy's Deux Arabesques, composed in 1888 and 1891. Thus, the Arabesque title refers to the clever interweaving and playful linking of simple, classical melodies in a delightful miniature for strings.
Keith Sharp completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 before accepting the position of string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia, where he continues to teach. In 1995, Keith completed a postgraduate diploma in education. Throughout his teaching career, Keith has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles while pursuing his passion for composition. His exquisitely crafted and imaginative works are highly popular throughout Australia and, more recently, have been discovered by teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith maintains an active schedule as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Caulderon was renowned for its magical prowess. Alchemy saved the city from imminent collapse into the sea and raised it into the air. According to Elfin legends, the floating city would occasionally visit other lands, carried by the winds. During these visits, the people of Caulderon would trade their magical wares with the locals. However, the visits were always short, and the city’s movements depended on the winds.
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.
"Return to Skye" is a beautiful Celtic-style folk fiddle tune for string orchestras at Grade 3-3.5 level. The piece features varying meters that challenge students, but all parts can be played in the first position, except for the first violins, which may need to use second and third positions occasionally. All sections will have a chance to play different melodies using a range of bowing styles. Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, with a Bachelor of Music degree and a post-graduate diploma in education. He produces award-winning compositions that are popular worldwide and is involved in various roles as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
This piece, titled "Arianna," is openly romantic and expressive in its theme. It features an energetic introduction with a commanding cello/bass subject and a lyrical theme presented by the first violins. The composition invites the string ensemble to explore phrasing and balance in a bel canto setting. It also includes a foreboding middle section with a haunting B minor melody. The composition concludes with diminishing lines that may feature solos or front desks, bringing the listener and player satisfaction.
Night Folk is a 3-sketch musical piece inspired by Enid Blyton’s playful storytelling. It features mischievous creatures making fun of marching gnomes, riding Queen Caterpillar, and dancing in an enchanted ring. The composition has carefully designed educational elements for musical ensembles, a manageable length of 2 min 52 sec, and is in the key of A Aeolian mode.
Keith Sharp is a music educator from Brisbane, Australia, with over 35 years of experience. He currently teaches at Brisbane State High School, focusing on ensemble and group tuition. Keith’s ensemble pieces have won awards, and he’s a co-author of Encore on Strings. He regularly appears as a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor.
The Dancing Peppers is a charming and light-hearted piece featuring repeated figures reminiscent of a familiar Mexican theme. The work is fun to play, yet teachers will find it packed with wonderful elementary string teaching points that help encourage both left- and right-hand technical development and refinement.
Fiddle Fever by Keith Sharp is a lively country-style music piece for string orchestra. It has memorable intertwining lines passed among the sections, supported by a bass line and an optional piano accompaniment. Perfect for all ages, this piece will make you tap your toes and enjoy some real toe-tappin' fiddlin' with your partner!
Keith Sharp is a celebrated music teacher in Brisbane, Australia. He has a Bachelor of Music degree and a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is known for his exceptional string programs, ensembles and compositions. His music is popular in Australia and internationally. Keith is often invited to work as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.