

“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.
La Llorona is a musical composition created for a high school string orchestra, with the option of adding percussion instruments. The piece is programmatic, meaning it tells a story through music. It is based on a Spanish/Mexican legend and lasts approximately 6 minutes. The legend tells the story of a girl child named La Malinche, born into a noble Aztec family but sold into slavery to Mayan merchants. The music begins with an Entrada, representing the Spanish fleet’s grand arrival. The Spaniards, led by Cortés, started to colonize Mexico.
Tango: La Malinche works as a translator for the conqueror and soon becomes his mistress.
Serenata: La Malinche is happy and in love with Cortés. She gives birth to his twin boys.
Fandango: Cortés continues his conquests. The King and Queen of Spain, fearing that Cortés has betrayed them and is building his empire, repeatedly request his return to Spain. He refuses, arguing that they will lose their new territories if he leaves Mexico. The King and Queen send a beautiful Spanish lady of noble birth to help change his mind.
Bolero: The Spanish aristocrat seduces Cortés and convinces him to return to Spain with his two sons. Cortés tells La Malinche of his decision to depart for Spain with his children and new love. Emotions run high, and a sense of impending doom prevails.
Vivo Accelerando: La Malinche, now realizing her role in helping Cortés massacre her people and the hopelessness of her plight, prays to her gods for help. One of the gods appears to her, sternly advising: “Do not let him take your children, for one of them will return to destroy your people.” The night before Cortés’ departure, La Malinche escapes with the babies and tragically drowns herself and the children in a nearby river.
"Six Ribbons" is a beautiful instrumental piece composed by Jon English for an intermediate string orchestra. It was arranged by Keith Sharp and published in 1995 by Music House String Publications Pty Ltd, which holds the copyright.
Keith Sharp is a highly accomplished string educator, composer, and clinician. He has taught in Brisbane, Australia, since 1984 and has created several award-winning string programs and ensembles. His compositions are famous in many countries, including the United States, Great Britain, and Germany.
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.
This flexible musical piece is perfect for directors with musicians of different abilities. It offers easy melody parts for every instrument, making it inclusive. It's also an excellent opportunity to work on tone quality and musicianship.
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.
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.
"A Little Summer Suite for String Orchestra" by Keith Sharp features three unique parts. "Sun Bleached" is bright and cheerful, "Rain Come Down: A Prayer" is peaceful, and "Downpour!" is fast-paced and exciting. Perfect for grade 1 level musicians.
Keith Sharp is a string educator who earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles while pursuing his passion for composition. Keith's works are famous in Australia and have been discovered by teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. He is also active in conducting workshops, guest conducting, and delivering lectures.
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.
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.