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.
This composition, titled "Arianna," is openly romantic and expressive in its theme. The piece starts with an energetic, galloping introduction featuring a commanding cello/bass subject, announcing the arrival of Arianna. The first violins present the lyrical theme in this section, accompanied by rolling cellos. This expressive aria invites and challenges the string ensemble to collectively explore the beauty of phrasing and balance in an attractive bel canto setting. A pulsing quaver texture underpins the middle section, which becomes distinctly foreboding when combined with its haunting B minor melody. The sections are arranged in an overarching ternary form, with a tender conclusion featuring diminishing lines that may include solos or front desks. The idiomatic writing brings satisfaction to both the listener and the player.
One Voice is a Grade 1.5 piece for string orchestra composed by Keith Sharp. It features a hauntingly beautiful melody and rich harmonies. Despite its simplicity, the piece is profoundly moving and engaging. Keith Sharp's use of dynamics and phrasing creates a sense of tension and release that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith has produced award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia and internationally throughout his career. He also remains active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
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.
'Sailing Home' is an upbeat sea shanty played in 6/8 time. The violin parts, played in the first position, are challenging and exciting. The middle section changes to D major, adding contrast to the piece. Overall, it's a lively and enjoyable composition.
It is a catchy tune that blends Eastern harmonies with Western rhythms. It features fiddling, alternating time signatures, and pentatonic patterns. Each part takes turns playing one of the main themes, providing various musical experiences. The violins have the option to play in ottava and third position. It is ideal for students to play and enjoy.
Keith Sharp is a music teacher who earned his Bachelor's degree in Music in 1984. He has been teaching as a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, for over 30 years. Keith completed a post-graduate diploma in education in 1995 and is active as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer. He has won awards for his string programs and compositions, which are popular worldwide.
This music features rich cello and viola lines with harmonics and pizzicatos. Playing with an optional 2-part choir score and piano accompaniment is enjoyable. Add a massed choir and strings for a school concert performance. It is a 'Music House' classic.
Keith Sharp is a well-established string educator in Brisbane, Australia, who has worked in the Gap region since 1984. He has produced award-winning string programs and compositions that have gained recognition worldwide. In addition to his teaching career, he is active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
This is a 2-minute string orchestra piece in E minor, graded at levels 2-3. It is a fantasia on the Irish reel 'Drowsy Maggie' and can be played for violins and piano. It includes two challenging descant lines, piano accompaniment, tambourine, and a simple cello line. The conductor's score has arranger info.
Keith Sharp is a notable string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is an award-winning composer whose works are famous in Australia and have gained recognition internationally. He is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
"The Dwarf March" is a beautiful piece of music written in A minor for string orchestra, graded at level 1.5/2, lasting for 2.00. It features a cello and bass melody with a repeated quaver texture in the violins. The folio includes the conductor's score, optional piano accompaniment, and an excerpt from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit."
Keith Sharp is a renowned music educator and composer from Brisbane, Australia. He has won several awards for his innovative string programs and ensembles and is an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
“The Spaniard” is a piece of WSSO’s commissioned music that premiered in 2018. It tells three parts of a heroic captain’s valiant exploits. The captain survives a shipwreck, is rescued by an Irish maiden he marries, and returns to his seafaring life. The piece has lyrical melodies and is enjoyed by audiences and middle/high school students.
Keith Sharp has been teaching string music in Brisbane’s regional state schools since 1985. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. Keith is an accomplished musician, a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, and a recipient of several awards. He is a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor at schools, music camps, and workshops. Additionally, he co-authors Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
