“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.
Fun and original music for primary and junior high students. East meets West in a sing-along style. All parts are in the first position, except bass. It's a blast to play!
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He has won numerous awards for his exceptional string programs, compositions, and imaginative works. In addition to teaching, Keith is also 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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
The Wild West and contemporary US composers inspired this piece. It has an idiomatic cowboy feel, with lively lines and a pleasing middle section. The outer sections have a dynamic ensemble energy, and there are opportunities for bowing techniques and position work.
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.
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.
