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 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.
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.
"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.
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.
The Yangtze River flows through the pentatonic soundscape, bringing ancient Asian music to life. Its exotic and simple modal textures enchant younger students. This masterpiece captures the essence of the East and resonates with the soul.
Keith Sharp earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has taught strings in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith produces exceptional string programs and compositions that are popular worldwide. He is also a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.
"Sharp, Stormbird" is a musical piece published in 2011 by Music House String Publications, specifically for string orchestra. It is in the key of D minor and has eight pages and parts for eight violins, eight violas, four cellos, four double basses, six violins II, and two violas II. Classified as a Level 2 difficulty, it lasts around 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The publication includes a composer's biography.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has been a string educator in Brisbane's Gap region ever since. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995 and has produced award-winning string programs and compositions. He is a renowned clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer, with his works gaining popularity globally.
This flexible arrangement has a challenging violin extension, optional two-part vocals, and a groovy bass part. It is written in a jazz/swing style with the sounds of Randy Newman, Nat King Cole, and George Gershwin.
Keith Sharp is a string educator who earned his Bachelor of Music in 1984. He still teaches in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. Keith is also a composer whose works are famous in Australia and gaining recognition worldwide. He is actively involved as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
In 1700, the Last Dodo danced The Last Waltz on Mauritius Island. Valse Triste is a B minor waltz tribute to the extinct bird. It’s a tuneful and balanced piece with a soulful cello, a lyrical first violin, and various melodies, harmonies, and rhythms for inner players. It’s an excellent practice for waltz strokes and rhythms.
Keith Sharp is a Brisbane-based string educator, composer, and guest lecturer. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has created award-winning programs and popular compositions worldwide.
