"Explorers" has a majestic main theme and catchy accompanying figures. It portrays the determination and resilience of explorers as they face the unknown and the joy of new discoveries. The central chorale is in G Major, and all parts share the melodic interest. It lasts 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
Keith Sharp is a string educator based in Brisbane, Australia since 1984. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995 and has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles. Keith is a composer, and his works are famous in Australia and internationally. He is an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
This piece is titled "Explorers" and has a majestic main theme with catchy accompanying figures. It tells a story that portrays the determination and resilience of explorers as they face the unknown, along with the pleasure that new discoveries bring. The central chorale is in G Major and encourages warm tonal blending between the driving outer sections of the piece. All parts share the melodic interest and are thoughtfully written for developing players. The piano accompaniment is useful for rehearsal purposes or to assist with balance, rhythm, and pitch in concert. The piece has a duration of 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
Keith Sharp completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 before accepting the position of string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia, where he continues to teach. In 1995, Keith 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 exquisitely crafted and imaginative works are highly popular throughout Australia and have recently been discovered by teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith maintains an active schedule as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest 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.
"Riders of Rohan" is an exciting, grade 2.5-3 piece for string orchestra in B minor. It features galloping rhythms and sonorous cello/bass melodies, with an approximate duration of 2:20. The composer, Keith Sharp, is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, and an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
Click Go the Shears is a delightful adaptation of a traditional Australian folk song for beginner players. It features an optional and exquisitely crafted piano accompaniment. Simple violin lines can be played singly with the piano.
Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He received his degree in 1984 and a post-graduate diploma in 1995. Keith produces award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia and internationally. He is also active as a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.
Collage Romantique is an impressive piece for high school string orchestra. It features driving rhythms, emotional melodies, and dramatic runs in minor tonality. Sections take turns with accompaniment and leading lines, often teaming up. Students are encouraged to use full bow and vibrato. The themes linger with the audience after the final chord.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He works as a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, producing award-winning string programs and ensembles and composing music. His works are famous in Australia and have gained recognition in the US, UK, and Germany. Keith is also a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
"Quasi Jig" is a piece for middle- to high-school string players. It features light-hearted accompaniments, Celtic-style fiddle themes, and syncopations. The piece is technically challenging and engaging for players with various skill levels, with melody, harmony, obligato, and accompanying roles shared among the players. Graded 3 lasts 4 minutes and 30 seconds, and it is in the key of G major/C major.
Keith Sharp is a highly experienced string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He has produced award-winning string programs and composed imaginative works famous in Australia, the US, the UK, and Germany. He remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.
"Til the Work is Done," published in 2000, is a favorite from Music House String Publications that encourages students to express themselves through their instruments, much like a choir. This flexible string ensemble piece can be performed as a full unison melody with piano and double bass harmony, followed by a part setting featuring Violin 2 and optional parts for Viola 2 and Violoncello 2, making it suitable for younger players. The Violin 1 obligato line complements the melody, supported by the double bass, resulting in a satisfying tonal score.
Winter Sunshine is a musical composition created for a junior string ensemble. It has a warm vocal style that features three essential lines played in unison, opening up into a satisfying harmony and bass line. The piano part adds tonal and harmonic depth to the texture, making it easier for younger players to rehearse and perform confidently. Keith Sharp, a renowned string educator in Brisbane, composed the piece and has been recognised globally. He has a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education, is a past president of AUSTA Queensland, and is co-author of Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
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.
