Sharp, King Henry's Choice for String Orchestra (Grade 2)
$145.00
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.
Sharp, King Henry's Choice for String Orchestra (Grade 2)
This piece of music is inspired by the vibrant and authentic early style that was popular during the Tudor era. King Henry VIII was known for his artistic skills, intelligence, and his eye for women. His court enjoyed a luxurious and refined lifestyle, where music and dance were central to courtly life. Dancing was an essential part of their social life and a daily exercise. Many talented musicians from the lower classes were employed in the court. King Henry VIII had many wives, whom he chose.
The music has a melodious quality and is suitable for all players to enjoy. It is written in a way that allows developing players to explore different bowing techniques, resonance, and tone colours. The piano accompaniment is helpful for rehearsals and balancing rhythm and pitch during performances. The piece is suitable for Grade 2 (Primary School B/High School C) and lasts for 3 minutes and 20 seconds. It is written in D Major and related keys. The authentic setting, in the style of medieval dance, transports us to the time of Henry VIII. All parts remain in first position, providing many opportunities for technical development.
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.
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.
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.
Angharad’s Feast," composed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Brisbane’s Western Suburbs String Orchestra and honor founder Andrea Messenger, premiered in November 2019. The piece represents a family gathering, with each string section symbolizing different family members: first violins as energetic children, second violins as guiding parents, violas as aunties and uncles, and double basses and cellos as wise grandparents. With a warm and charming folk-style theme, the composition beautifully encapsulates the spirit of family, music, and life.
Katie O'Hara LaBrie, Snow Day! for String Orchestra (Alfred Music)
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.
“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.
This piece is upbeat and features two contrasting themes - a rhythmic fiddling-style section and a warm Celtic air. It's engaging and encourages cohesive energy in the ensemble with clever bow techniques and fun challenges like rapid string crossings and syncopation.
Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, where he teaches and has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles. He is also a composer whose works are famous in Australia and internationally. Keith is an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
