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.
A Celtic Gathering For String Orchestra (Grade 3) by Keith Sharp captures the essence of Celtic music with its traditional rhythms, haunting melodies, and catchy tunes. The piece is skillfully arranged for young performers and showcases their virtuosity using technical elements. It will surely delight audiences of all ages and challenge young performers to improve their skills.
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.
Keith Sharp's contemporary piece in D major is enjoyable to play and suitable for beginners. It features echo effects and melodious accompanying lines and is graded as a B for primary school and a C for high school.
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.
Fiddle Fever by Keith Sharp is a lively country-style music piece for string orchestra. It has memorable intertwining lines passed among the sections, supported by a bass line and an optional piano accompaniment. Perfect for all ages, this piece will make you tap your toes and enjoy some real toe-tappin' fiddlin' with your partner!
Keith Sharp is a celebrated music teacher in Brisbane, Australia. He has a Bachelor of Music degree and a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is known for his exceptional string programs, ensembles and compositions. His music is popular in Australia and internationally. Keith is often invited to work as a 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.
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.
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.
