Night Folk is a 3-sketch musical piece inspired by Enid Blyton’s playful storytelling. It features mischievous creatures making fun of marching gnomes, riding Queen Caterpillar, and dancing in an enchanted ring. The composition has carefully designed educational elements for musical ensembles, a manageable length of 2 min 52 sec, and is in the key of A Aeolian mode.
Keith Sharp is a music educator from Brisbane, Australia, with over 35 years of experience. He currently teaches at Brisbane State High School, focusing on ensemble and group tuition. Keith’s ensemble pieces have won awards, and he’s a co-author of Encore on Strings. He regularly appears as a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor.
Night Folk is a musical piece that takes inspiration from the playful storytelling of Enid Blyton. The composition consists of three short sketches set in a forest that feature mischievous creatures. These sketches include making fun of marching gnomes, riding Queen Caterpillar, and delirious dancing within an enchanted ring. Directors of musical ensembles will appreciate the carefully designed educational elements skillfully integrated into the piece. These elements include sharing roles, thoughtful choices of left-hand progression, balanced strokes, and a satisfying yet manageable length. Night Folk is an imaginative and tuneful musical journey that lasts for 2 minutes and 52 seconds and is composed in the key of A Aeolian mode.
Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He has been teaching since 1985 and is currently teaching at Brisbane State High School. His program focuses on ensemble and group tuition, and he is known for creating engaging pieces for students. His educational ensemble pieces have been recognised as Editor’s Choice in the J.W. Pepper Orchestral Music Catalog.
Keith has a bachelor’s degree in music and a graduate diploma in further education. He’s a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and has received several awards for his contribution to music education. Keith co-authors Encore on Strings - Music Maestros and regularly appears as a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor at schools, music camps, and workshops.
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.
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.
"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.
“Stringosaurus” is a fun and dynamic musical piece in G major, perfect for young musicians. It includes five string parts, each with its unique character. The cello part is noteworthy as it adds excitement to the composition with a chromatic movement. An optional piano accompaniment is also available. Overall, it encourages creativity and exploration in young musicians.
Keith Sharp is a renowned music educator in Brisbane, teaching at Brisbane State High School since 1985. He’s a composer, conductor, and teacher who’s received numerous awards for his contributions to music education. Keith co-authors the beginner string method, Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
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.
This fiddle tune has separated cello and double bass parts for melody and harmony, allowing directors to challenge advanced students while keeping others engaged. It's perfect for real-world scenarios, with fun elements such as a slide from D# to E and a countermelody for balance.
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.
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!"
Keith Sharp’s musical masterpiece, Restless, is now available for Grade 4 String Orchestra. The arrangement includes a conductor’s score and multiple string parts, making it easy to perform. Published by Music House String Publications, it offers an unparalleled musical experience. Keith has been a renowned string educator in Brisbane since 1985, and his educational ensemble pieces are recognised globally. He is a past president of AUSTA Queensland and co-author of Encore on Strings.
