Fred Hubbell, March of the Metro Gnome String Orchestra (Kendor Music)

Fred Hubbell, March of the Metro Gnome String Orchestra (Kendor Music) Designed as a first concert piece for beginners, this enduring favourite (released in 1968) limits rhythms to nothing shorter than a quarter note, includes no slurs, provides ample bowing reminders, and may even be performed minus basses without sacrificing musical integrity. The percussion part for wood block, however, must be used since its steady quarter-note pulse represents the sound of a metronome.