Sharp, Bamboo Cowboy (Grade 2) For String Orchestra

“La Llorona” is a 6-minute programmatic piece for a high school string orchestra with optional percussion. It tells a story based on a Spanish/Mexican legend of La Malinche, a noble Aztec girl sold into slavery to Mayan merchants. The music starts with an Entrada, signalling the arrival of the Spanish fleet led by Cortés, who colonized Mexico.

La Malinche was a translator and mistress to the conqueror Cortés. She had twin boys with him, but when he was convinced to return to Spain with a Spanish aristocrat, La Malinche realized the hopelessness of her situation and drowned herself and her children in a nearby river.

River Song is a Celtic-style programmatic piece that musically follows the course of a river. It features contrasting sections with a rustic middle part. It's approachable and highly memorable, ideal for high school ensembles and appealing to students and audiences. The strings are beautifully written, adding overall charm.

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.

"Mota Moas for String Orchestra" by Keith Sharp is a playful musical composition inspired by the extinct Giant Moas of New Zealand. It is aimed at students in late primary to early high school levels and emphasizes detache and staccato strokes. The piece is composed in D major and includes a ragtime break towards the end. It's a delightful piece that everyone can enjoy!

Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith creates award-winning string programs, composes beautiful works, and is a popular clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer in Australia and abroad.

"Quasi Jig" is a piece for middle- to high-school string players. It features light-hearted accompaniments, Celtic-style fiddle themes, and syncopations. The piece is technically challenging and engaging for players with various skill levels, with melody, harmony, obligato, and accompanying roles shared among the players. Graded 3 lasts 4 minutes and 30 seconds, and it is in the key of G major/C major.

Keith Sharp is a highly experienced string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He has produced award-winning string programs and composed imaginative works famous in Australia, the US, the UK, and Germany. He remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.

"Serious Kookaburra Business" is a 2006 folio by Music House String Publications containing Keith Sharps's arrangement of the popular Australian song "Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree". The arrangement is graded level 1, D major, and suitable for young musicians. This folio features instrumental settings of children's songs in English from Australia and is copyrighted by Larrikin Music Publishing Pty Ltd. and Music House String Publications Pty Ltd.

Keith Sharp is a music educator in Brisbane, Australia. He has won awards for his string programs and compositions, popular with teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also a guest lecturer, clinician, and conductor.

This music piece is for young string students. It tells the story of mice sneaking into a kitchen while avoiding a cat. It can be played as a unison melody or in a flexible 3-part setting. It includes left-hand pizzicato, harmonics, and balanced bowing patterns. The piano accompaniment is essential. It’s 1:36 long, in D major, and suitable for Grade 1.5 students.

Keith Sharp is an experienced string teacher and passionate composer in Brisbane, Australia. He teaches at Brisbane State High School and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the music education community. Keith is a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor at various music camps and workshops and co-author of Encore On Strings - Music Maestros.

The "Soul to Keep for String Orchestra" by Keith Sharp was published by Music House String in 2007. The score and parts are 30 cm in folio and classified as a "Concert novelty" for a string ensemble with optional vocals. The conductor's score grade is 1, and the publisher's website grade is 1.5-2. The key is D major, and the duration is 1:40. Natalie Sharp's composer bio is included.

Keith Sharp has been teaching as a string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane since his graduation with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He also obtained a post-graduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith is a renowned composer whose works are popular in Australia, the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. He is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.

Click Go the Shears is a delightful adaptation of a traditional Australian folk song for beginner players. It features an optional and exquisitely crafted piano accompaniment. Simple violin lines can be played singly with the piano.

Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He received his degree in 1984 and a post-graduate diploma in 1995. Keith produces award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia and internationally. He is also active as a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.