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.
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 Dancing Peppers is a charming and light-hearted piece featuring repeated figures reminiscent of a familiar Mexican theme. The work is fun to play, yet teachers will find it packed with wonderful elementary string teaching points that help encourage both left- and right-hand technical development and refinement.
This piece has an Irish essence and features lively fiddle-style themes contrasting with lyrical countermelodies. As you play, pass the melodic interest between the sections and experiment with different articulations, dynamics, and timbres inherent in the music. The 1st Violins get to show off with a fun yet playable fiddle break. The piece ends with an energetic, “all-in-together” finish that will leave the audience feeling roused. Fiddle O’Finnigan is popular with students, teachers, and audiences alike! The folio includes parts for the String Orchestra (8-8-4-4-6-2), the Conductor’s score, and an optional Piano accompaniment.
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.
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.
This lively fiddle-style tune with a fun melody and bright harmonies will surely please any crowd. Advanced violin players can try the optional octave extension included in the piece. As the toe-tapping tune develops, the melody is traded around the ensemble, making it memorable and fun!
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator who completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He has been teaching in Brisbane since then and holds a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is also a composer and produces award-winning string programs and ensembles. Additionally, he serves 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.
