“La Llorona” is a 6-minute programmatic piece for a high school string orchestra with optional percussion. It tells a story based on a Spanish/Mexican legend of La Malinche, a noble Aztec girl sold into slavery to Mayan merchants. The music starts with an Entrada, signalling the arrival of the Spanish fleet led by Cortés, who colonized Mexico.

La Malinche was a translator and mistress to the conqueror Cortés. She had twin boys with him, but when he was convinced to return to Spain with a Spanish aristocrat, La Malinche realized the hopelessness of her situation and drowned herself and her children in a nearby river.

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.

"Masque of Arne" is a musical piece with a quasi-renaissance style featuring two different dance types. The first section is lively and upbeat, while the second is more ambient and tonal. The two can be performed separately or in succession, with a return to the first dance using da Capo to end the performance.

Keith Sharp is a string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Music in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith is an award-winning composer and highly regarded clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer, with his works being popular in Australia and internationally.

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.

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.

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.

Keith Sharp, a composer who loves Celtic music, has arranged several titles for string students that reflect the folk styles of the British Isles. Glendalough is one of his Irish compositions, inspired by a historic site south of Dublin. It's a beautiful piece graded level 3, with memorable tunes that appeal to middle and high school students. The piece is approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds long, in B minor and G Major.

Keith Sharp is a Brisbane-based string educator with a Bachelor of Music degree (1984) and a postgraduate diploma in education (1995). He produces award-winning ensembles and compositions that are popular globally. Keith is also active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.

"The Wild Colonial Boy" is a ballad about Jack Doolan, an Irish-Australian bushranger who was captured and killed by troopers. The song's nostalgic character is portrayed through lyrical part-writing, pizzicato, and tremolo effects. This arrangement, set in D major, features interesting lines for all players. Adding it to your concert line-up is a great way to introduce an Australian classic.