This piece has an Irish essence and features lively fiddle-style themes contrasting with lyrical countermelodies. As you play, pass the melodic interest between the sections and experiment with different articulations, dynamics, and timbres inherent in the music. The 1st Violins get to show off with a fun yet playable fiddle break. The piece ends with an energetic, “all-in-together” finish that will leave the audience feeling roused. Fiddle O’Finnigan is popular with students, teachers, and audiences alike! The folio includes parts for the String Orchestra (8-8-4-4-6-2), the Conductor’s score, and an optional Piano accompaniment.
Fiddle O’Finnigan is a musical masterpiece that showcases the essence of Irish music with its lively fiddle-style themes and lyrical countermelodies. This piece is designed to provide a fun and playful experience for musicians as they explore the various articulations, dynamics, and timbres inherent in the writing. The interplay between the sections is a remarkable feature of this piece, and players are encouraged to pass the melodic interest from one to another. The 1st Violins get to shine with a showy yet joyfully playable fiddle break that will captivate the audience. Fiddle O’Finnigan culminates in an energetic, “all-in-together” finish that sets the stage for a rousing conclusion. It is a popular choice among students, teachers, and audiences alike! The folio includes parts for the String Orchestra (8-8-4-4-6-2), the Conductor’s score, and an optional Piano accompaniment, making it a feast for the ears and a delight for the soul.
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.
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.
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.
This flexible arrangement has a challenging violin extension, optional two-part vocals, and a groovy bass part. It is written in a jazz/swing style with the sounds of Randy Newman, Nat King Cole, and George Gershwin.
Keith Sharp is a string educator who earned his Bachelor of Music in 1984. He still teaches in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. Keith is also a composer whose works are famous in Australia and gaining recognition worldwide. He is actively involved as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
"Snapdragons" is a Grade 1.5 music piece by Keith Sharp for string orchestra. It's eight pages long, 30 cm long, and includes a conductor's score and parts. Its duration is 2:40. Published in 2010 by Music House String Publications Pty Ltd, it's known for its catchy tunes and provides young string orchestra players an excellent opportunity to showcase their skills.
Keith Sharp is a distinguished string educator based in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles and is passionate about composition. Keith has gained recognition from teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. He also maintains an active schedule as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
A Celtic Gathering For String Orchestra (Grade 3) by Keith Sharp captures the essence of Celtic music with its traditional rhythms, haunting melodies, and catchy tunes. The piece is skillfully arranged for young performers and showcases their virtuosity using technical elements. It will surely delight audiences of all ages and challenge young performers to improve their skills.
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.
