"Return to Skye" is a beautiful Celtic-style folk fiddle tune for string orchestras at Grade 3-3.5 level. The piece features varying meters that challenge students, but all parts can be played in the first position, except for the first violins, which may need to use second and third positions occasionally. All sections will have a chance to play different melodies using a range of bowing styles. Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, with a Bachelor of Music degree and a post-graduate diploma in education. He produces award-winning compositions that are popular worldwide and is involved in various roles as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
"Return to Skye" is a beautiful Celtic-style folk fiddle tune that evokes a strong sense of longing for one's homeland. It is recommended for string orchestras at Grade 3-3.5 level. The piece features varying meters that challenge the students, but all parts can be played in the first position, except for the first violins, who may need to use second and third positions occasionally. Additionally, all sections will have a chance to play different melodies using a range of bowing styles.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and later became a string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He has been teaching there ever since. In 1995, Keith completed a post-graduate diploma in education. During his teaching career, Keith has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles while pursuing his passion for composition. His imaginative works are highly popular throughout Australia and have recently gained popularity with teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also actively involved as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
This music piece is inspired by the bandicoot's playful rhythm and light texture. It's suitable for advanced Primary to junior high ensembles and allows the practice of various stroke techniques. The theme is evenly distributed, making it enjoyable for all.
This is a 2-minute string orchestra piece in E minor, graded at levels 2-3. It is a fantasia on the Irish reel 'Drowsy Maggie' and can be played for violins and piano. It includes two challenging descant lines, piano accompaniment, tambourine, and a simple cello line. The conductor's score has arranger info.
Keith Sharp is a notable string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is an award-winning composer whose works are famous in Australia and have gained recognition internationally. He is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
This Pavane, written in the style of entrance music for an Elizabethan masque, wedding or other festive occasion, has a characteristic 2/2 swing with the occasional injection of 3/2 meter for rhythmic variety and spice. It is lyrical in essence, featuring long melodic lines passed between the parts. Technically straightforward and playable in the first position, the musical and tonal scope of the piece affords interest to a broad spectrum of ensemble standards.
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.
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.
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!"
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 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.
