This musical score offers a charming escape to old-time dancing during World War I, with lovely Mexican touches. Shared themes between sections, informed educational design and a manageable length make it perfect for ensembles. Duration: 2:50 in D major.

Keith has been teaching at Brisbane’s state schools since 1985. He composes imaginative pieces for string students, some of which have been published by The FJH Music Company and Alfreds. Keith has received multiple awards and recognition for his contributions to music education. He appears as a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor at schools, music camps, and workshops. Additionally, Keith co-authors the beginner series Encore On Strings - Music Maestros.

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.

“La Llorona” is a 6-minute programmatic piece for a high school string orchestra with optional percussion. It tells a story based on a Spanish/Mexican legend of La Malinche, a noble Aztec girl sold into slavery to Mayan merchants. The music starts with an Entrada, signalling the arrival of the Spanish fleet led by Cortés, who colonized Mexico.

La Malinche was a translator and mistress to the conqueror Cortés. She had twin boys with him, but when he was convinced to return to Spain with a Spanish aristocrat, La Malinche realized the hopelessness of her situation and drowned herself and her children in a nearby river.

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.

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.

"On the Road Again for String Orchestra (Level 2)" is a cheerful and lighthearted piece by Keith Sharp, suitable for primary school ensembles and younger middle school students. The music has a charming country sound that evokes the feeling of singing and driving. The contrast between folk-style rhythms and a legato theme creates a lovely balance in the music and helps to teach bowing techniques. The music is graded at level 2, with an approximate duration of 2:20, and is in the key of G Major.

"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.

"Six Ribbons" is a beautiful instrumental piece composed by Jon English for an intermediate string orchestra. It was arranged by Keith Sharp and published in 1995 by Music House String Publications Pty Ltd, which holds the copyright.

Keith Sharp is a highly accomplished string educator, composer, and clinician. He has taught in Brisbane, Australia, since 1984 and has created several award-winning string programs and ensembles. His compositions are famous in many countries, including the United States, Great Britain, and Germany.