“The Spaniard” is a piece of WSSO’s commissioned music that premiered in 2018. It tells three parts of a heroic captain’s valiant exploits. The captain survives a shipwreck, is rescued by an Irish maiden he marries, and returns to his seafaring life. The piece has lyrical melodies and is enjoyed by audiences and middle/high school students.
Keith Sharp has been teaching string music in Brisbane’s regional state schools since 1985. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. Keith is an accomplished musician, a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, and a recipient of several awards. He is a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor at schools, music camps, and workshops. Additionally, he co-authors Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
“The Spaniard” is a captivating and evocative musical arrangement commissioned by Brisbane’s Western Suburbs String Orchestra (WSSO). Its debut performance in September 2018 was received with immense enthusiasm by the audience. The piece has a programmatic and ternary structure that celebrates the swashbuckling naval adventures of a heroic captain who devoted his life to serving his queen and country.
The composition is structured into three parts and begins with the Spaniard shipwreck off the coast of Ireland. In a stroke of luck, he is rescued by a brave and beautiful Irish maiden, whom he later marries. However, his love for the ocean and adventurous spirit lure him back to his homeland, where he resumes his seafaring escapades.
“The Spaniard” is a delightful piece brimming with lyrical tunes that will enchant and captivate audiences of all ages. It is also an excellent choice for middle and high school students interested in music, as it offers a unique and engaging listening experience.
Key: D minor and A aeolian mode
Duration: 3:35
Keith Sharp has been a string educator in The Gap, Brisbane, Australia’s regional state schools, since 1985. In 2012, he began teaching at Brisbane State High School, focusing on ensemble and group tuition in his program. Keith likes to create creative and engaging pieces for string students, now performed by young players worldwide.
Keith is an accomplished musician and educator. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. Keith is also a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to music education in the region, he received a Ryan Recognition Award in 2006 and 2013, a “C ‘n Do” Educator of the Year Award. Keith is an active member of AUSTA Queensland, having served as its past president and committee member. In 2012, he was honoured with a state award by AUSTA for his excellent work. Keith frequently appears as a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor at schools, music camps, and workshops. Additionally, he co-authors the popular beginner string method, Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
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.
"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.
Chromatic glissandi, walking bass, and piano accompany a slow blues melody played by violins. The tune encourages vibrato and sounds excellent in the third or first position. The third violin/viola part is simple, while cellists can enjoy their chromatic pizzicato. The piano line is crucial. It's an original "concert novelty" that generates interest.
Keith Sharp is a renowned composer and string educator based in Brisbane, Australia. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles while pursuing his passion for composition. Unfortunately, his work "Bilge Rat Blues for String Orchestra" is currently out of print and unavailable.
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.
This music features rich cello and viola lines with harmonics and pizzicatos. Playing with an optional 2-part choir score and piano accompaniment is enjoyable. Add a massed choir and strings for a school concert performance. It is a 'Music House' classic.
Keith Sharp is a well-established string educator in Brisbane, Australia, who has worked in the Gap region since 1984. He has produced award-winning string programs and compositions that have gained recognition worldwide. In addition to his teaching career, he is active as a 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.
Mamba Samba is a fun and unique piece for string ensembles. It offers swing without technical difficulty, accommodates different skill levels, has optional parts for violin and viola, and includes lyrics. A MIDI backing track is also available.
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.
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