This 8.5-minute musical piece for an advanced high school string ensemble explores different tempos, textures, and styles based on the Celtic theme 'Flower of County Down'. The composition features a fugato, river dance, sentimental waltz, and grand finale, with the piano and percussion adding to the sound.
Keith Sharp is a successful string educator from Brisbane's Gap region. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith is renowned for his award-winning string programs and creative compositions that are popular in Australia and internationally. He remains active as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
This eight-and-a-half-minute musical piece is designed for an advanced high school string ensemble. It explores various tempos, textures, and styles based on the Celtic theme of 'Flower of County Down'. The piano and percussion also play essential roles to enhance the lyrical lines and energize the dance sections. The musical composition features a fugato, river dance, sentimental waltz, and grand finale, weaving a beautiful tapestry of sound.
"This composition was written for a group of talented teenagers from my region. The percussion parts were originally quite humble, with many bars rest. Each week at rehearsal, the ever-patient percussionists were given revised parts. As the percussion and piano parts grew in stature, so did the string players' enjoyment. We spent several weeks preparing the work, sorting out the numerous ensemble challenges, and thoroughly enjoyed performing to a large audience. The performance was well received, and the experience was valuable for all." - Keith Sharp.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and became a string educator in Brisbane's Gap region, where he still teaches. In 1995, he completed a postgraduate diploma in education. Throughout his teaching career, Keith has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles while pursuing his passion for composition. His beautifully crafted and imaginative works are highly popular in Australia and have recently gained attention from educators in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith stays active as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer. One of his compositions is the Prelude & Fantasia on County Down (Grade 4) for string orchestra.
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.
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.
"Six Ribbons" is a beautiful instrumental piece composed by Jon English for an intermediate string orchestra. It was arranged by Keith Sharp and published in 1995 by Music House String Publications Pty Ltd, which holds the copyright.
Keith Sharp is a highly accomplished string educator, composer, and clinician. He has taught in Brisbane, Australia, since 1984 and has created several award-winning string programs and ensembles. His compositions are famous in many countries, including the United States, Great Britain, and Germany.
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.
Waking up on a cold winter day. Sledding. Hot chocolate. It's a snow day! Written by Katie O'Hara LaBrie, Snow Day! is craftily designed only using the notes of a D major scale. This highly accessible piece, with its bright melodies and jingle bell accompaniment will delight students and audiences.
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.
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.
