Collage Romantique is an impressive piece for high school string orchestra. It features driving rhythms, emotional melodies, and dramatic runs in minor tonality. Sections take turns with accompaniment and leading lines, often teaming up. Students are encouraged to use full bow and vibrato. The themes linger with the audience after the final chord.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He works as a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, producing award-winning string programs and ensembles and composing music. His works are famous in Australia and have gained recognition in the US, UK, and Germany. Keith is also a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Collage Romantique is an impressive piece of music composed for a high school string orchestra. It features driving rhythms, sweeping themes, dramatic runs, and emotional melodies within the minor tonality of G and its related keys. Each part takes turns presenting either accompanying textures or soaring leading lines, often teaming up with another section for these roles. Students are encouraged to achieve continuous vibrato and make full use of the whole bow to sustain and project a rich, romantic tone. The themes of Collage Romantique will linger with your audience long after the final chord is played.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984, and then he started working as a string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia, where he still teaches. In 1995, he obtained 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 well-crafted and imaginative works are highly popular in Australia and have recently gained recognition from teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is actively involved as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
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!"
Fiddler's Farewell is a beautiful Gaelic-style music piece for middle and high school string players. It allows expressive playing with emphasis on phrasing and dynamics. Keith Sharp's arrangement involves all players with melody, harmony, and accompaniment roles. The music has technical challenges and lyrical possibilities to keep all ensemble members engaged. An optional piano part is available, but it is not essential. Graded at level 2.5, it's 3 minutes and 15 seconds long in E Aeolian Mode and related keys.
Chromatic glissandi, walking bass, and piano accompany a slow blues melody played by violins. The tune encourages vibrato and sounds excellent in the third or first position. The third violin/viola part is simple, while cellists can enjoy their chromatic pizzicato. The piano line is crucial. It's an original "concert novelty" that generates interest.
Keith Sharp is a renowned composer and string educator based in Brisbane, Australia. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles while pursuing his passion for composition. Unfortunately, his work "Bilge Rat Blues for String Orchestra" is currently out of print and unavailable.
"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.
Fun and original music for primary and junior high students. East meets West in a sing-along style. All parts are in the first position, except bass. It's a blast to play!
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He has won numerous awards for his exceptional string programs, compositions, and imaginative works. In addition to teaching, Keith is also an active 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.
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.
