The Yangtze River flows through the pentatonic soundscape, bringing ancient Asian music to life. Its exotic and simple modal textures enchant younger students. This masterpiece captures the essence of the East and resonates with the soul.
Keith Sharp earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has taught strings in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith produces exceptional string programs and compositions that are popular worldwide. He is also a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.
As the flows of the Yangtze River weave through the pentatonic soundscape, the music is brought to life with iterative part writing and an abundance of imaginative possibilities. The canvas is awash with the vibrant influences of ancient Asian music. Younger students are drawn to these exotic yet simple modal textures, which transport them to a world of wonder and enchantment. The music is a true masterpiece that captures the essence of the East and resonates with the soul.
Keith Sharp obtained his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and subsequently landed the position of string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He has since been teaching in that same region. In 1995, he furthered his education by completing a postgraduate diploma in education. Throughout his teaching career, Keith has produced exceptional string programs and ensembles and has pursued his passion for composition. His beautifully crafted and imaginative works are highly sought after throughout Australia and have recently gained popularity among teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also actively involved as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Night Folk is a 3-sketch musical piece inspired by Enid Blyton’s playful storytelling. It features mischievous creatures making fun of marching gnomes, riding Queen Caterpillar, and dancing in an enchanted ring. The composition has carefully designed educational elements for musical ensembles, a manageable length of 2 min 52 sec, and is in the key of A Aeolian mode.
Keith Sharp is a music educator from Brisbane, Australia, with over 35 years of experience. He currently teaches at Brisbane State High School, focusing on ensemble and group tuition. Keith’s ensemble pieces have won awards, and he’s a co-author of Encore on Strings. He regularly appears as a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor.
Keith Sharp's "Song Lines for String Orchestra" is an appealing musical composition that showcases Keith's love for vocal arrangements. This piece is primarily designed to help players improve their musical bow division and associated melodic direction while focusing on creating tonal beauty. The piece is graded at 2.5, making it suitable for primary school A/high school B or C. It lasts 3 minutes and 10 seconds, set in D Major and related keys.
This piece involves repeated upper-half staccato with crescendo and decrescendo, along with an exciting countermelody. The parts are evenly balanced, and all players get the chance to play the tune at some point. Upper violinists may choose to play in the third position as recommended. You can enjoy exploring the possibilities with the old saying, "It's worse than a curse!"
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.
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.
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 lively fiddle-style tune with a fun melody and bright harmonies will surely please any crowd. Advanced violin players can try the optional octave extension included in the piece. As the toe-tapping tune develops, the melody is traded around the ensemble, making it memorable and fun!
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator who completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He has been teaching in Brisbane since then and holds a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is also a composer and produces award-winning string programs and ensembles. Additionally, he serves as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
