

“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.
Fiddlers greet the king as he enters his court. This Elizabethan-style piece is perfect for creating a royal ambience. All instruments have exciting parts, and low strings are divided into melody and harmony, providing flexibility for directors. It's an excellent choice for any occasion!
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 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.
"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.
Caulderon was renowned for its magical prowess. Alchemy saved the city from imminent collapse into the sea and raised it into the air. According to Elfin legends, the floating city would occasionally visit other lands, carried by the winds. During these visits, the people of Caulderon would trade their magical wares with the locals. However, the visits were always short, and the city’s movements depended on the winds.
"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.
Fernando’s Tango is a rhythmic piece featuring a dotted rhythm throughout. The cello, Double bass, and Violin 3/violin treble parts offer beat stability, while the first Violins have an easy-to-play tango descant. The ensemble pack includes Unison Melody parts for Violin, Viola, and Cello and can be tailored to suit different playing standards.
Keith Sharp is a string music teacher in Brisbane, Australia. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. He creates award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia, the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
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.