"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.
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.
Want a unique addition to your concert? This piece uses vocal "boks" to create the sound of a frantic chicken in a kitchen. It has separate parts for cellos and basses, and optional lyrics for your choir are included.
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator and composer from Brisbane. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles, and his works are highly popular worldwide. Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
This piece, titled "Arianna," is openly romantic and expressive in its theme. It features an energetic introduction with a commanding cello/bass subject and a lyrical theme presented by the first violins. The composition invites the string ensemble to explore phrasing and balance in a bel canto setting. It also includes a foreboding middle section with a haunting B minor melody. The composition concludes with diminishing lines that may feature solos or front desks, bringing the listener and player satisfaction.
This 8.5-minute musical piece for an advanced high school string ensemble explores different tempos, textures, and styles based on the Celtic theme 'Flower of County Down'. The composition features a fugato, river dance, sentimental waltz, and grand finale, with the piano and percussion adding to the sound.
Keith Sharp is a successful string educator from Brisbane's Gap region. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith is renowned for his award-winning string programs and creative compositions that are popular in Australia and internationally. He remains active as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
This music is inspired by the Tudor era's early style, where music and dance were central to courtly life. It has a melodious quality, suitable for all players, with opportunities for technical development. The piano accompaniment helps balance rhythm and pitch. It's suitable for Grade 2 and written in D Major and related keys. The authentic setting is in the style of medieval dance, providing a glimpse into the time of Henry VIII.
Polly, a sick cockatoo, feels lonely as her friends avoid her. This Eastern European-inspired composition is ideal for Grade 1.5 students and has a melancholic melody with a haunting piano accompaniment that lasts 2 minutes and 6 seconds.
Keith Sharp is a renowned music teacher and co-author of the beginner series Encore On Strings - Music Maestros. He has over 35 years of experience teaching string music, a Bachelor of Music Degree, and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. Keith has received several awards for his contributions to music education and regularly appears at schools, music camps, and workshops.
"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.
This piece has an Irish essence and features lively fiddle-style themes contrasting with lyrical countermelodies. As you play, pass the melodic interest between the sections and experiment with different articulations, dynamics, and timbres inherent in the music. The 1st Violins get to show off with a fun yet playable fiddle break. The piece ends with an energetic, “all-in-together” finish that will leave the audience feeling roused. Fiddle O’Finnigan is popular with students, teachers, and audiences alike! The folio includes parts for the String Orchestra (8-8-4-4-6-2), the Conductor’s score, and an optional Piano accompaniment.
