Keith Sharp, a composer who loves Celtic music, has arranged several titles for string students that reflect the folk styles of the British Isles. Glendalough is one of his Irish compositions, inspired by a historic site south of Dublin. It's a beautiful piece graded level 3, with memorable tunes that appeal to middle and high school students. The piece is approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds long, in B minor and G Major.
Keith Sharp is a Brisbane-based string educator with a Bachelor of Music degree (1984) and a postgraduate diploma in education (1995). He produces award-winning ensembles and compositions that are popular globally. Keith is also active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
Keith Sharp has a strong connection with Celtic music, and he has composed and arranged several titles that reflect the folk styles from the British Isles for string students. One of his compositions, Glendalough, is an Irish piece inspired by a famous historical site and scenic walk about an hour south of Dublin. Glendalough is considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland, and it features two lakes, streams, fields, and the ruins of a medieval monastery founded by St Kevin in 618 AD. The score of Glendalough is delightful for all sections to play and rehearse, and its contrasting and memorable tunes will appeal to students from middle to high school. This piece is graded as level 3 and lasts approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds. The key of the piece is in B minor and G Major.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music in 1984 and is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith has produced award-winning ensembles and compositions popular in Australia, the USA, the UK, and Germany. He is also active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
"Riders of Rohan" is an exciting, grade 2.5-3 piece for string orchestra in B minor. It features galloping rhythms and sonorous cello/bass melodies, with an approximate duration of 2:20. The composer, Keith Sharp, is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, and an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
"Emu Rag" by Keith Sharp is a fun and lively music piece for a grade 3 string orchestra. Its catchy rhythms and melodies make it an excellent choice for young musicians looking for upbeat and joyful music. It's popular among music educators and offers an opportunity to learn about different playing techniques and musical styles. Overall, it's a fantastic addition to any string orchestra's playlist.
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.
“Stringosaurus” is a fun and dynamic musical piece in G major, perfect for young musicians. It includes five string parts, each with its unique character. The cello part is noteworthy as it adds excitement to the composition with a chromatic movement. An optional piano accompaniment is also available. Overall, it encourages creativity and exploration in young musicians.
Keith Sharp is a renowned music educator in Brisbane, teaching at Brisbane State High School since 1985. He’s a composer, conductor, and teacher who’s received numerous awards for his contributions to music education. Keith co-authors the beginner string method, Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
"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.
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.
This music piece is inspired by the bandicoot's playful rhythm and light texture. It's suitable for advanced Primary to junior high ensembles and allows the practice of various stroke techniques. The theme is evenly distributed, making it enjoyable for all.
“La Llorona” is a 6-minute programmatic piece for a high school string orchestra with optional percussion. It tells a story based on a Spanish/Mexican legend of La Malinche, a noble Aztec girl sold into slavery to Mayan merchants. The music starts with an Entrada, signalling the arrival of the Spanish fleet led by Cortés, who colonized Mexico.
La Malinche was a translator and mistress to the conqueror Cortés. She had twin boys with him, but when he was convinced to return to Spain with a Spanish aristocrat, La Malinche realized the hopelessness of her situation and drowned herself and her children in a nearby river.
