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.
Grade 2.5 duration approx 2:20
The Crocodile Hornpipe is a piece of music that an ensemble of varying skill levels can play. The upper-string players will play in 1st position throughout the piece. Meanwhile, the lower string players will perform an easy chromatic walking bass that will be played pizzicato and arco at different times. The lively theme, reminiscent of a familiar crocodile song, will be played by the 3rd violins, violas, and cellos. This theme will be accompanied by an upper string repeated spiccato texture. Later in the piece, a joyful 1st violin fiddle-style descant will be added. The bass line will play an important role in anchoring the arrangement, and an optional piano part may be used for additional textural and rhythmic support.
Keith Sharp obtained his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and started working as a string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia, where he still teaches. In 1995, he completed a post-graduate diploma in education. Throughout his teaching career, Keith has created award-winning string programs and ensembles while pursuing his passion for composition. His beautifully crafted and imaginative works are highly popular in Australia and have gained recognition from teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith remains active in his field and often works as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
This work caters to a broad range of student standards and sits well in the first position for all violins and violas. The cello and bass pass briefly into the second position. The simple, snappy theme is reminiscent of another well-known crocodile song. Other features include repeated spiccato textures in the upper violins, a cello pizzicato walking bass and a first violin fiddle-style break. The bass line anchors the arrangement, and the piano provides optional texture and support. An effective piece and fun for all! “Cleverly written for all parts.” - AUSTA Q Review, Feb 1998.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
"Explorers" has a majestic main theme and catchy accompanying figures. It portrays the determination and resilience of explorers as they face the unknown and the joy of new discoveries. The central chorale is in G Major, and all parts share the melodic interest. It lasts 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
Keith Sharp is a string educator based in Brisbane, Australia since 1984. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995 and has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles. Keith is a composer, and his works are famous in Australia and internationally. He is an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
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.
“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.
