

"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.
The ballad "The Wild Colonial Boy" first appeared in print in 1881 and tells the story of Jack Doolan, an Irish-Australian bushranger who was captured and killed by troopers. The ballad has captivated the imaginations of string students and audiences alike. Banjo Paterson later added two more verses to the ballad.
This charming song arrangement is set in the key of D major. It is styled after the old-time Waltz and features interesting lines for all players. The song's nostalgic character is portrayed through lyrical partwriting, while pizzicato and tremolo effects add variety to the texture.
Adding "The Wild Colonial Boy" to your next concert line-up is a great way to introduce an Australian classic to your audience.
“Stringosaurus” is a fun and dynamic musical piece in G major, perfect for young musicians. It includes five string parts, each with its unique character. The cello part is noteworthy as it adds excitement to the composition with a chromatic movement. An optional piano accompaniment is also available. Overall, it encourages creativity and exploration in young musicians.
Keith Sharp is a renowned music educator in Brisbane, teaching at Brisbane State High School since 1985. He’s a composer, conductor, and teacher who’s received numerous awards for his contributions to music education. Keith co-authors the beginner string method, Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
This fiddle tune has separated cello and double bass parts for melody and harmony, allowing directors to challenge advanced students while keeping others engaged. It's perfect for real-world scenarios, with fun elements such as a slide from D# to E and a countermelody for balance.
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.
"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 is a 2-minute string orchestra piece in E minor, graded at levels 2-3. It is a fantasia on the Irish reel 'Drowsy Maggie' and can be played for violins and piano. It includes two challenging descant lines, piano accompaniment, tambourine, and a simple cello line. The conductor's score has arranger info.
Keith Sharp is a notable string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is an award-winning composer whose works are famous in Australia and have gained recognition internationally. He is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
“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.
"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.
Arabesque art features repeating geometric patterns, often found in mosques. The style mimics plants and animals and symbolises the unity of faith in Islam. Arabesques are also classical piano pieces, like Debussy's Deux Arabesques, composed in 1888 and 1891, featuring playful linking of simple melodies.
Keith Sharp has been a renowned string educator in Brisbane's Gap region since 1984. He has produced award-winning string programs and compositions well-known in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.