SKU: AP.49063S
ISBN 9781470645854. UPC: 038081564258. English.
Take your orchestra on a fantastic journey into the far reaches of outer space with this thrilling overture that is sure to capture the imaginations of all of your young performers. Memorable melodies abound here, and the variety of key signatures, time signatures, and musical styles make this a great teaching piece perfect for contest or festival. The interesting orchestration gives this piece a mature, cinematic sound and allows every section of the string orchestra their chance in the spotlight. Ad Astra is a fantastic work by Richard Meyer! (5:50) This title available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.47477S
UPC: 038081544830. English.
Written to help students understand the concept of positions, this entire piece can be played by the violins, violas, and cellos in 3rd position with no shifting! Playing in positions is often a challenging hurdle for many young musicians yet an important prerequisite for advanced techniques. The rhythms are kept very simple so students can focus on playing in a new way. With a dark, mature sound and named after an ancient Roman border river, this piece allows plenty of room for expression. To cross the Rubicon is to pass a point of no return and enter into a new realm. This work is both a valuable teaching tool for a new musical adventure and a thrilling concert piece that students will be excited to show off in concert. (1:45).
SKU: AP.41266S
UPC: 038081480824. English.
A fabulous string orchestra setting of a great symphony, this piece will provide opportunities to develop spiccato bowing technique and will please audiences. Perfect for contest or any concert. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.46716S
UPC: 038081532868. English.
Created with easy notes and rhythms, this regal march in the style of William Walton is playable by beginners for graduation ceremonies. It can also be learned quickly by more advanced ensembles for any concert or special event. The form is modular, so adding cuts and repeats to extend the piece is perfect for timing a procession. Enter the Laureates by Doug Spata is the perfect way to showcase your orchestra at community events!
SKU: AP.49065
ISBN 9781470645861. UPC: 038081565163. English.
The setting of this exciting and beautifully arranged medley of classic fiddle tunes, Fiddler's Fortune arranged by Bob Phillips and Renata Bratt, provides a cool, super-fun groove that pulls the player into the action. Included are Red-Haired Boy, St. Anne's Reel, and Blackberry Blossom, and every section gets to play the well-known melodies. Lead sheets of each tune and for each instrument will be available as free downloads so the melodies can be played in unison for another class activity. This arrangement is scheduled to be premiered by the Wintergrass 2021 Virtual Youth Orchestra.To access the video, audio, and PDF resources click here. . (3:45) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.49471
ISBN 9781470650087. UPC: 038081570860. English.
The folk-like tune of Ruby Mountain Serenade may seem familiar but is in fact an original tune from composer John Atteberry. Beginning in D major, this graceful tone poems opens intimately, with optional soloists from each section. Following the introduction, all sections of the orchestra work to guide the music through statements of the primary and secondary themes, leading to a smooth modulation to F major and an emotional climax. A great opportunity for young musicians to explore programmatic music. (3:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.48096
ISBN 9781470656676. UPC: 038081550954. English.
The mystical atmosphere of Greece's coastal caves, which shine with dazzling iridescent blue light through crystal-clear waters, is the inspiration of this rich, cinematic selection. Students will be challenged to maintain a balanced, warm tone throughout, with a slow tempo and increased part independence. But they'll adore the flowing, interlocking streams of dreamlike melody in all the parts and an ominous sense of tension and release that builds to a rewarding conclusion. An optional harp part is included. The Blue Caves of Zakynthos, by Doug Spata, is a great way for advanced orchestras to work on higher-level musicianship skills, and it will be a stunning showpiece in any concert program. (4:50).
SKU: AP.49470
ISBN 9781470650100. UPC: 038081570884. English.
This lively rondo begins with the famous theme from Paganini's Caprice #24, reworked into a 5/4 dance with a cool vibe. Woven into the rondo form are three original dances (a tango, a country dance and a waltz)---each a musical adventure of its own. The colorful orchestration by Richard Meyer gives every member of your ensemble an unforgettable and joyful experience while the wide variety of playing styles and musical challenges make New Chances, New Dances an imaginative selection---the perfect choice for contest or festival. (4:10) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.19554
UPC: 038081183275. English.
Here it is! A Grade 2 piece that really swings! Based upon the basic twelve-bar blues progression, this very playable original work will get your young strings in the groove as they learn to swing eighth notes in a jazz style. Your students will love the walking pizzicato bass line and Siennicki's very catchy and bluesy melody. Lots of fun!
SKU: AP.33734S
UPC: 038081385402. English.
You can hear the genius of Mahler's string writing in this accessible arrangement of the second movement of his Resurrection symphony. Staying true to the original orchestration, your students will have a chance to soar with the romanticism of the main theme and dance with the charm of the pizzicato section. Mahler called this movement a remembrance of happy times. Your students will create happy memories playing the music of this revered master.
SKU: AP.31614S
UPC: 038081355184. English.
A musical postcard to the world! Your audiences will be thrilled with this early piece of Americana, and your musicians will love the colors and energy of this uniquely American music as imagined by the great Czech master following his visit to America in the 1890s. This work contains music inspired by African-American, Native-American and Scottish music and features three movements (I, IV and V) of AntonÃn Dvorák's original five-movement suite.
SKU: AP.48101S
ISBN 9781470661458. UPC: 038081553993. English.
With Gratitude by Katie O'Hara LaBrie is a flowing yet spirited composition written in memory of a bright youngster who always sought out the good things in life. Perfect for advancing string orchestras, this piece features soaring melodies, rhythmic independence, and higher positions for violin 1 and cello, all while exploring changing modalities in C major and A major. Students will learn to play expressively as they connect to the story behind the piece using the hashtag #yearofgratitude. (4:30) This title available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.20718
UPC: 038081219486. English.
This high-energy holiday medley combines the well-known tunes, Up on the Housetop, Jingle Bells, and Jolly Old St. Nicholas in a 1950s rock and roll style. The open fifth, eighth note accompaniment should be played with a bounced bow at the frog. Pay careful attention to the staccato notes during the driving eighth note melodies. Students will love this Chuck Berry meets the holidays setting of traditional tunes. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.48093
UPC: 038081558714. English.
Full of energy and life, Streaks of Thunder, an original piece by Bob Phillips, includes moments of sheer exuberance as well as reflection. The series of memorable melodies and driving rhythms streak through all sections in an almost call and response between upper and lower strings. Excitement abounds in this piece, making it a great opener or closer! (4:15) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.47468
UPC: 038081544540. English.
The rondo form of this work gives students repetition, along with detours to keep their interest. The piece uses only quarter notes and half notes with both stepwise motion and larger intervals in D major. The piano part is recommended, adding to the harmonic interest of the piece.
SKU: AP.44839
UPC: 038081518367. English.
This work sensitively conveys the rising sun as it first greets America each morning on Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park. Written by Andrew H. Dabczynski in celebration of that park's centennial, this enchanting piece provides an opportunity for young string players to musically express the magic of dawn on the mountain, of light sparkling on the ocean, of swelling seas as a squall approaches, and of the returning calm as the light recedes. Acadia First Light will transport players and audiences alike to Acadia, that treasured national gem. (3:30).
SKU: AP.49933S
ISBN 9781470657819. UPC: 038081575674. English. Traditional Folk Songs.
16th Suite is a set of four contrasting folk tunes that introduce common 16th-note patterns to beginning students. This concert etude allows students to practice each pattern in different contexts: melodies, accompaniments, and a variety of simple meters and keys. Whether performed as a suite or as individual movements, 16th Suite will enhance any concert program while developing essential skills. (5:40).
SKU: AP.31605
UPC: 038081349558. English.
Transport your audience halfway around the world with this poignant, powerful and playful arrangement of traditional Chinese folk melodies. Starting with a plaintive viola solo, then moving through a wide variety of moods, all members of the orchestra will be fully engaged playing music that sounds ancient and fresh at the same time. Perfect for concert or contest, this arrangement written by a middle school teacher has been kid tested and approved.
SKU: AP.49063
ISBN 9781470645847. UPC: 038081564241. English.
Take your orchestra on a fantastic journey into the far reaches of outer space with this thrilling overture that is sure to capture the imaginations of all of your young performers. Memorable melodies abound here, and the variety of key signatures, time signatures, and musical styles make this a great teaching piece perfect for contest or festival. The interesting orchestration gives this piece a mature, cinematic sound and allows every section of the string orchestra their chance in the spotlight. Ad Astra is a fantastic work by Richard Meyer! (5:50) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.47471S
UPC: 038081544816. English.
Written in the eerie key of F-sharp natural minor that attracts young students, this sound defines our scary monster called Stretch. Each section gets important melodic and countermelodic material. With two separate sections (slow and fast), a legato middle section, a jaunty pizzicato section, and a forceful coda, every section will be challenging. The work features simple rhythm patterns to make it more accessible and allow the student to focus on the three sharps.
SKU: AP.49472S
ISBN 9781470650070. UPC: 038081570853. English.
A spell-binding exploration of the music of Spain, FantasÃa Española features four exciting yet contrasting sections and challenging parts for all players. Three of Spain's most famous composers are represented in this medley arranged by Bob Phillips. The piece begins with an exciting, driving excerpt from Asturias (Leyenda), by Isaac Albéniz, which, though written for piano, is most often heard on guitar. The setting of this section allows the violins and violas a display of virtuosity with its unrelenting rhythmic drive. Beautiful, lyric, and emotional, Tango in D, also by Albéniz, will showcase the musicianship of the entire orchestra. Originally written for piano, the strings will shine in this second section of the arrangement. The third section is the slow and lyric, Adelita. Drawn from the deep treasure of Spanish guitar music and written by the father of classical guitar, Francisco Tárrega, this piece is simply beautiful. The medley concludes with Danza Ritual del Fuego from the ballet El Amor Brujo. Written by Manuel de Falla for full orchestra, the string setting drives to a fabulous and dramatic finish.(5:45).
SKU: AP.46722
UPC: 038081533575. English.
Though not as popular as his famous 8th and 9th symphonies, Dvorák's Symphony No. 7 in D minor is a masterpiece worthy of serious study and performance. The scherzo movement has been abridged and simplified from 6/4 to 6/8 for playability, but the spirit of Dvorák comes through clearly. Full of the composer's trademark hemiola, this arrangement by Todd Parrish gives melody and countermelodies to all parts and ends with an exciting, powerful conclusion. The optional timpani part gives even more strength to your performance. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.38476
UPC: 038081431598. English.
Jeunesse is a French word used to describe the time of one's youth, which is reflected in this music that is carefree, yet bittersweet. This lovely piece has a lilting quality that demands attention be paid to the legato markings, the equality between the voices, and the rhythmic pulse that moves the piece forward. Make sure not to lose the poignancy by playing the piece too fast or too slow. Let the music have control.
SKU: AP.45874
UPC: 038081523774. English.
Here's a fun, jazzy, all-pizzicato selection for early beginners to play at one of their first concerts! Built around a strong, steady beat, this original by Doug Spata uses only the D and A strings, and half, quarter, and eighth notes with very limited independence to keep everyone together. Each section gets a melody, making it the perfect way to show off those beginning skills. (1:40).
SKU: AP.38477
UPC: 038081431611. English.
Capture the spirit of the Old West with this exciting new work. Written in the keys of C and G, this piece uses a variety of techniques, including divisi, tremolo, accents, lifts, slurs, pizzicato, accidentals, and features a middle swing section using slurred triplets. Very melodic with cool harmonies, interesting rhythms, and everyone part of the action, this is sure to be a winner!
SKU: AP.43857S
UPC: 038081507019. English.
This original composition first fell upon the ears of excited, rambunctious, elementary-aged children as part of an educational concert series geared toward teaching the sections of the orchestra. The room quickly grew silent and the audience was captivated by the haunting melodies and clashes of bold chords, intertwined with moments of tranquility and wonder. Each and every section of the orchestra will feel equally important as it tackles this challenging, yet appealing piece! (5:15).
SKU: AP.36008S
UPC: 038081416359. English.
Good, solid Mozart! Perfect for any festival or contest and it's really fun to tell the orchestra that he wrote this when he was nine years old! This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
SKU: AP.35971S
UPC: 038081411781. English.
This lovely German song offers the opportunity to teach compound meter, isolating excerpts collaterally with rhythmic exercises, and working on smooth string crossings. Extended positions are featured in the cello part with accidentals sprinkled throughout the other parts as well. A beautiful soli section will be popular with cellists against a moving bass line.
SKU: AP.35983S
UPC: 038081414959. English.
At my friend's house, they celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. Now you can too, with the same piece of music. Two traditional seasonal songs, Christmas Is Coming, the Goose Is Getting Fat and The Dreidel Song, are combined. Discuss with your students some of the compositional techniques (imitation, augmentation) or tonalities that are used to fit these two tunes together. The many teachable moments make this a blast to teach and play!
SKU: AP.38492S
UPC: 038081433653. English.
With the same sparkle and energy of its predecessor, Adra's Dance, this new companion piece adds a touch of maturity as Adra's creator, the composer's daughter, has grown into a young lady. Celebrate where we are, where we're going, and how thankful we are to have this one life to live, love, and grow as your students and audiences enjoy the optimism and joy in this music.
