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.

"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.

This piece involves repeated upper-half staccato with crescendo and decrescendo, along with an exciting countermelody. The parts are evenly balanced, and all players get the chance to play the tune at some point. Upper violinists may choose to play in the third position as recommended. You can enjoy exploring the possibilities with the old saying, "It's worse than a curse!"

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.

Haydn’s Lost Chorale is a revised version of The Abbey, inspired by Haydn’s St. Anthony’s Chorale. It’s scored for string orchestra with optional piano, including violin 3 (treble viola) and violin parts. It features a dotted rhythm, quasi-classical textures and singing themes.

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 musical masterpiece, Restless, is now available for Grade 4 String Orchestra. The arrangement includes a conductor’s score and multiple string parts, making it easy to perform. Published by Music House String Publications, it offers an unparalleled musical experience. Keith has been a renowned string educator in Brisbane since 1985, and his educational ensemble pieces are recognised globally. He is a past president of AUSTA Queensland and co-author of Encore on Strings.

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.

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.