The Snake Pit

SKU: FP.FBS03

ISBN 9790570500192.

Sarah Baker is Vocal Composer in Residence at Education Music Services, an ABRSM examiner and a well known composer of songs and musicals for primary schools and massed-choral events.

All this experience has come together in the creation of this album of piano pieces, inspired by growing up in the Chiltern Hills. Suitable for players of around grade 4-5 standard, her evocative sound pieces describe a crash-landing hot air balloon, garden invading cows and a even a snake in a pond!

Air Balloon!: One vivid memory I have as a child is of the day that a hot air balloon passed over our house and made an emergency landing on the road in front! The sound of the gas being blown into the balloon to try to keep it high enough to pass the house sounded so loud and intimidating, and then there was the bustle of the neighbours as we all went out into the street to watch. It was both terrifying and exhilarating to watch the balloon float past and then land so near by.

Buzzards Circling: There is something so calming and restful about watching birds of prey circling in the thermal currents of a summer sky. Growing up in the Chilterns gave me plenty of opportunity to watch buzzards and red kites. This piano solo captures the beauty of their flight as they glide so effortlessly through the air.

There’s A Cow In The Garden Eating The Flowers: Inspired by the memory of seeing an unexpected cow in the garden! This surreal image is captured in a quirky waltz, as I portray both the absurdity of the moment and the sense of wonder I felt as a child, looking out of the window and seeing the cow walking round and eating the flowers. The final phrase articulates my longing: ‘I wish it would come again’.

Watching The World Go By: A short, reflective piece, remembering what it was like to have time to just sit and watch the world go by from my bedroom window.

Autumn Skies: A miniature about the beauty of Autumn skies and the poignant sense of loss for a summer gone. Friends I was fortunate to have several children of my own age living close by. We seemed to be forever making dens, playing out in the street and generally enjoying each other’s company. This piece reflects that sense of well-being.

Snake In The Pond: One hot summer I was astonished and scared to see a grass snake cooling off in our garden pond! I watched, both horrified and fascinated, as it rose up from the depths and then disappeared again. Here I portray the sense of the hazy summer afternoon as I peacefully watched the tiny movements of fish in the pond, contrasted with the fear and excitement of seeing the snake appear.

Morning Commute: I recollect many mornings stuck in traffic as my Dad took me to school on his way to work. There is one main road out of the village where I grew up, and that got more and more congested the closer we got to the town. We may not have chatted a lot, but it was always good to be together with my Dad, lost in our own thoughts.

The Witch’s Cottage: My siblings and I had a fascination with a small cottage nearby. It was set back from the road in a dark part of the woods and we called it 'the witch's cottage’. Every time we passed, I imagined I heard the distant cackle of the witch and wished I could catch a glimpse of her.

These pieces are written to complement my other collection, Night Time Impressions, which also draw on childhood recollections, particularly of the woods behind the house where I grew up. - Sarah Baker 2023.

SKU: AP.48162S

UPC: 038081555157. English.

This perilous island just off the coast of Brazil is infested with so many deadly reptiles that humans are prohibited. An ominous introduction leads to a rhythmic musical exploration completely surrounded by water and camouflaged snakes that make their presence known. Slitheringly fun! (2:00) This title available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: FJ.B1515S

English.

An ideal change of pace, this clever work depicts a forest full of snakes that are enchanted by the beating drums. The chromatic melodies are an ideal teaching tool while colorful percussion writing brings the snakes to life. Enchanting!

About FJH Young Band

Appropriate for middle school and smaller high school groups. Second clarinets usually stay below the break. Parts are written with more independence, and instrumentation increases slightly. There is still adequate doubling in the lower voices. Grades 2 - 2.5

SKU: HL.49031423

ISBN 9790001139458. English.

The Nosobame * Hedgehog and Hedgepiggy * Goat and Sneaksnake * The Water * Km 29 * The Moonsheep * The Grand Laaloolaa.

SKU: CA.1235105

ISBN 9790007165550. Language: English. Text: Moses, Brian.

Commissioned by Europa Cantat Festival 2015, Pecs. Score available separately - see item CA.1235100.

SKU: AP.49048

ISBN 9781470645588. UPC: 038081564081. English.

This title features Alfred Music's String Orchestra FLEX options. That means that every part in this set is now transposed into every other part, so you can play this title with any combination of like- or mixed-string ensemble. After purchasing this set, decide what additional parts you need to meet the unique needs of your ensemble, then download and print them for free at alfred.com/supplemental---free of charge.

The most common anaconda snake is the Green Anaconda, and it is the most massive snake in the world! Anaconda by Chris Bernotas reflects that powerful snake in musical form. The rhythms drive forward with an intense melody characterizing the strength of the enormous creature. The pizzicato section is reflective of the anaconda as it stealthily makes its way through a swamp or river---be on guard! Correlated to Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 1, Level 5. (2:15).