This music piece is for young string students. It tells the story of mice sneaking into a kitchen while avoiding a cat. It can be played as a unison melody or in a flexible 3-part setting. It includes left-hand pizzicato, harmonics, and balanced bowing patterns. The piano accompaniment is essential. It’s 1:36 long, in D major, and suitable for Grade 1.5 students.
Keith Sharp is an experienced string teacher and passionate composer in Brisbane, Australia. He teaches at Brisbane State High School and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the music education community. Keith is a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor at various music camps and workshops and co-author of Encore On Strings - Music Maestros.
This music piece is designed to help young string students develop their skills. It has a fun title and follows a group of mice trying to sneak into a well-stocked kitchen while avoiding a cat. The score can be performed as a unison melody with piano or in a flexible 3-part setting. It incorporates pedagogical, technical concepts such as left-hand pizzicato, first partial harmonics, and balanced bowing patterns in simple repetitive rhythmic motifs. The parts are engaging and encourage efficient detaché stroke. The piano accompaniment is integral to the texture of the performance. The piece is approximately 1 minute and 36 seconds long, in the key of D major, and is suitable for Grade 1.5 students.
Keith Sharp has been a string educator in The Gap regional state schools of Brisbane, Australia, since 1985. In 2012, he began teaching at Brisbane State High School, focusing on group tuition and ensemble. Keith has a passion for writing creative and engaging pieces for string students, many of which are now performed by young players across the globe. The FJH Music Company and Alfreds in the US have published some of his works. These educational ensemble pieces have consistently been chosen as “Editor’s Choice” in the J.W. Pepper Orchestral Music Catalog.
Keith has a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. He is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. In 2006, he received a Ryan Recognition Award. Additionally, in 2013, he received the “Can Do” Educator of the Year award for contributing to the region’s music education. Keith has served as a past President and committee member of AUSTA Queensland, and in 2012, he was recognized with a State Award by AUSTA. He often serves as a guest clinician/composer, teacher, and conductor at schools, music camps, and workshops. Furthermore, Keith co-authors the renowned beginner series 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.
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.
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.
One Voice is a Grade 1.5 piece for string orchestra composed by Keith Sharp. It features a hauntingly beautiful melody and rich harmonies. Despite its simplicity, the piece is profoundly moving and engaging. Keith Sharp's use of dynamics and phrasing creates a sense of tension and release that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith has produced award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia and internationally throughout his career. He also remains active as a 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.
"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.
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.
Caulderon was renowned for its magical prowess. Alchemy saved the city from imminent collapse into the sea and raised it into the air. According to Elfin legends, the floating city would occasionally visit other lands, carried by the winds. During these visits, the people of Caulderon would trade their magical wares with the locals. However, the visits were always short, and the city’s movements depended on the winds.
