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.
Polly is a sulphur-crested white cockatoo who suffers from beak rot and feather disease. As a result, she has a bald and scruffy appearance, which has caused her friends to avoid her as they fear catching the disease. This has made Polly feel lonely and downhearted.
This composition is a melancholic melody inspired by Eastern European folk songs, and it is accompanied by a piano. It can be performed in unison or with a mixture of harmony and bass lines. The piece is suitable for primary B students at the Grade 1.5 level. It provides an excellent opportunity for string groups to practice their phrasing and tonal connection with the instrument at an elementary stage.
The haunting yet straightforward melody will linger in the minds of the audience and students long after the concert. The piece is approximately 2 minutes and 6 seconds long and in the key of E Natural minor.
Keith Sharp has been a string music teacher at several regional state schools in Brisbane, Australia, since 1985. In 2012, he started teaching at Brisbane State High School, where his program focuses on group tuition and ensemble. Keith enjoys composing imaginative and appealing pieces for string students, which young players around the world now perform. The FJH Music Company and Alfreds in the US have published his works. These educational ensemble pieces have consistently been highlighted as “Editor’s Choice” in the J.W. Pepper Orchestral Music Catalog.
Keith is highly qualified with a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. He is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and has received several awards for his contribution to music education in the region. In 2006, he received the Ryan Recognition Award, and in 2013, he was awarded the “Can Do” Educator of the Year award. Additionally, Keith has served as the President and committee member of AUSTA Queensland and was recognized with a State Award by AUSTA in 2012. He is a sought-after guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor and regularly appears at schools, music camps, and workshops. Keith also co-authors the popular beginner series Encore On Strings - Music Maestros.
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!"
Winter Sunshine is a musical composition created for a junior string ensemble. It has a warm vocal style that features three essential lines played in unison, opening up into a satisfying harmony and bass line. The piano part adds tonal and harmonic depth to the texture, making it easier for younger players to rehearse and perform confidently. Keith Sharp, a renowned string educator in Brisbane, composed the piece and has been recognised globally. He has a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education, is a past president of AUSTA Queensland, and is co-author of Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
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.
Click Go the Shears is a delightful adaptation of a traditional Australian folk song for beginner players. It features an optional and exquisitely crafted piano accompaniment. Simple violin lines can be played singly with the piano.
Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He received his degree in 1984 and a post-graduate diploma in 1995. Keith produces award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia and internationally. He is also active as a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.
"Mota Moas for String Orchestra" by Keith Sharp is a playful musical composition inspired by the extinct Giant Moas of New Zealand. It is aimed at students in late primary to early high school levels and emphasizes detache and staccato strokes. The piece is composed in D major and includes a ragtime break towards the end. It's a delightful piece that everyone can enjoy!
Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith creates award-winning string programs, composes beautiful works, and is a popular clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer in Australia and abroad.
Fiddlers greet the king as he enters his court. This Elizabethan-style piece is perfect for creating a royal ambience. All instruments have exciting parts, and low strings are divided into melody and harmony, providing flexibility for directors. It's an excellent choice for any occasion!
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.
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.
"The Dwarf March" is a beautiful piece of music written in A minor for string orchestra, graded at level 1.5/2, lasting for 2.00. It features a cello and bass melody with a repeated quaver texture in the violins. The folio includes the conductor's score, optional piano accompaniment, and an excerpt from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit."
Keith Sharp is a renowned music educator and composer from Brisbane, Australia. He has won several awards for his innovative string programs and ensembles and is an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
