"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.
Mota Moas for String Orchestra is a composition by Keith Sharp inspired by the Giant Moas - a species of flightless birds that existed in New Zealand before being hunted to extinction by the 1400s. The piece portrays two Moas driving around in a playful manner, reminiscent of the 1920s. 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 is suitable for first-position playing, but it also includes a ragtime break towards the end that extends the 1st violins. It is a delightful piece that everyone can enjoy!
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and then started working as a string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia, where he still teaches today. In 1995, he completed a postgraduate diploma in education. As an educator, Keith has created award-winning string programs and ensembles and pursued his passion for composition. His beautifully crafted and imaginative works are extremely popular throughout Australia and have recently gained recognition from teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. He remains actively involved in his field as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
"On the Road Again for String Orchestra (Level 2)" is a cheerful and lighthearted piece by Keith Sharp, suitable for primary school ensembles and younger middle school students. The music has a charming country sound that evokes the feeling of singing and driving. The contrast between folk-style rhythms and a legato theme creates a lovely balance in the music and helps to teach bowing techniques. The music is graded at level 2, with an approximate duration of 2:20, and is in the key of G Major.
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.
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.
Fiddler's Farewell is a beautiful Gaelic-style music piece for middle and high school string players. It allows expressive playing with emphasis on phrasing and dynamics. Keith Sharp's arrangement involves all players with melody, harmony, and accompaniment roles. The music has technical challenges and lyrical possibilities to keep all ensemble members engaged. An optional piano part is available, but it is not essential. Graded at level 2.5, it's 3 minutes and 15 seconds long in E Aeolian Mode and related keys.
This music features rich cello and viola lines with harmonics and pizzicatos. Playing with an optional 2-part choir score and piano accompaniment is enjoyable. Add a massed choir and strings for a school concert performance. It is a 'Music House' classic.
Keith Sharp is a well-established string educator in Brisbane, Australia, who has worked in the Gap region since 1984. He has produced award-winning string programs and compositions that have gained recognition worldwide. In addition to his teaching career, he is active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
Two contrasting dances are linked, creating a classic ternary form. The first dance has a driving rhythm and repeated accents. A four-bar solo bridge leads to the succeeding dance with a graceful, modal theme. The Two Courtly Dances are easy to play yet catchy and appealing to various ages. The piece has four string lines and an optional piano. The viola doubles either the first or second violins throughout.
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.
"Return to Skye" is a beautiful Celtic-style folk fiddle tune for string orchestras at Grade 3-3.5 level. The piece features varying meters that challenge students, but all parts can be played in the first position, except for the first violins, which may need to use second and third positions occasionally. All sections will have a chance to play different melodies using a range of bowing styles. Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, with a Bachelor of Music degree and a post-graduate diploma in education. He produces award-winning compositions that are popular worldwide and is involved in various roles as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
