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.
This music is inspired by the Tudor era's early style, where music and dance were central to courtly life. It has a melodious quality, suitable for all players, with opportunities for technical development. The piano accompaniment helps balance rhythm and pitch. It's suitable for Grade 2 and written in D Major and related keys. The authentic setting is in the style of medieval dance, providing a glimpse into the time of Henry VIII.
The Wild West and contemporary US composers inspired this piece. It has an idiomatic cowboy feel, with lively lines and a pleasing middle section. The outer sections have a dynamic ensemble energy, and there are opportunities for bowing techniques and position work.
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.
Mamba Samba is a fun and unique piece for string ensembles. It offers swing without technical difficulty, accommodates different skill levels, has optional parts for violin and viola, and includes lyrics. A MIDI backing track is also available.
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.
This 8.5-minute musical piece for an advanced high school string ensemble explores different tempos, textures, and styles based on the Celtic theme 'Flower of County Down'. The composition features a fugato, river dance, sentimental waltz, and grand finale, with the piano and percussion adding to the sound.
Keith Sharp is a successful string educator from Brisbane's Gap region. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith is renowned for his award-winning string programs and creative compositions that are popular in Australia and internationally. He remains active as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Want a unique addition to your concert? This piece uses vocal "boks" to create the sound of a frantic chicken in a kitchen. It has separate parts for cellos and basses, and optional lyrics for your choir are included.
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator and composer from Brisbane. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles, and his works are highly popular worldwide. Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
"On the Road Again for String Orchestra (Level 2)" is a cheerful and lighthearted piece by Keith Sharp, suitable for primary school ensembles and younger middle school students. The music has a charming country sound that evokes the feeling of singing and driving. The contrast between folk-style rhythms and a legato theme creates a lovely balance in the music and helps to teach bowing techniques. The music is graded at level 2, with an approximate duration of 2:20, and is in the key of G Major.
Fernando’s Tango is a rhythmic piece featuring a dotted rhythm throughout. The cello, Double bass, and Violin 3/violin treble parts offer beat stability, while the first Violins have an easy-to-play tango descant. The ensemble pack includes Unison Melody parts for Violin, Viola, and Cello and can be tailored to suit different playing standards.
Keith Sharp is a string music teacher in Brisbane, Australia. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. He creates award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia, the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also an active 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!"
