Polly, a sick cockatoo, feels lonely as her friends avoid her. This Eastern European-inspired composition is ideal for Grade 1.5 students and has a melancholic melody with a haunting piano accompaniment that lasts 2 minutes and 6 seconds.

Keith Sharp is a renowned music teacher and co-author of the beginner series Encore On Strings - Music Maestros. He has over 35 years of experience teaching string music, a Bachelor of Music Degree, and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. Keith has received several awards for his contributions to music education and regularly appears at schools, music camps, and workshops.

"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.

"Til the Work is Done," published in 2000, is a favorite from Music House String Publications that encourages students to express themselves through their instruments, much like a choir. This flexible string ensemble piece can be performed as a full unison melody with piano and double bass harmony, followed by a part setting featuring Violin 2 and optional parts for Viola 2 and Violoncello 2, making it suitable for younger players. The Violin 1 obligato line complements the melody, supported by the double bass, resulting in a satisfying tonal score.

“Stringosaurus” is a fun and dynamic musical piece in G major, perfect for young musicians. It includes five string parts, each with its unique character. The cello part is noteworthy as it adds excitement to the composition with a chromatic movement. An optional piano accompaniment is also available. Overall, it encourages creativity and exploration in young musicians.

Keith Sharp is a renowned music educator in Brisbane, teaching at Brisbane State High School since 1985. He’s a composer, conductor, and teacher who’s received numerous awards for his contributions to music education. Keith co-authors the beginner string method, Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.

The Crocodile Hornpipe is a piece of music for varying skill levels. Upper strings play in 1st position; lower strings play an easy chromatic walking bass—lively crocodile theme played by 3rd violins, violas, and cellos with a spiccato texture. Later, a 1st violin fiddle-style descant is added. Bass line anchors arrangement—optional piano part for more support.

"Six Ribbons" is a beautiful instrumental piece composed by Jon English for an intermediate string orchestra. It was arranged by Keith Sharp and published in 1995 by Music House String Publications Pty Ltd, which holds the copyright.

Keith Sharp is a highly accomplished string educator, composer, and clinician. He has taught in Brisbane, Australia, since 1984 and has created several award-winning string programs and ensembles. His compositions are famous in many countries, including the United States, Great Britain, and Germany.

"The Wild Colonial Boy" is a ballad about Jack Doolan, an Irish-Australian bushranger who was captured and killed by troopers. The song's nostalgic character is portrayed through lyrical part-writing, pizzicato, and tremolo effects. This arrangement, set in D major, features interesting lines for all players. Adding it to your concert line-up is a great way to introduce an Australian classic.

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.