Compositions for String Orchestra
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Grade 1
A true concert work for players in the first year of beginning instruction! This ominous piece offers young string players the experience of performing a mature-sounding composition without technically demanding parts. Powerful dissonant harmonies and a pulsating rhythm create a feeling of power and excitement!
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Grade 1
Students and audiences will enjoy this exciting adventure into the world of the dragon slayer in this highly popular piece, which uses only D–B in all instruments (including the low E in cello and bass). Percussion and mild dissonance adds to the dark, medieval sound. Sure to be a favorite at your next concert!
*Recorded by Washington Winds, Edward S. Petersen, Conductor
Grade 1
The driving rhythms and powerful harmonies of this dramatic work create a stark image of ferocious, fire-breathing dragons roaming the mountain. From the first note, this epic piece will grab the attention of your audience!
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Grade 1
Gentle River is a lyrical ballad by Rob Grice that depicts the simple beauty of a river as it flows peacefully through a green valley. It offers the opportunity to teach younger musicians to play expressively while maintaining a blended and balanced ensemble sound. Wonderful teaching material for this grade level.
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Grade 1.5
The history of dragons is universal throughout the cultures of the ancient world. Great battles involving dragons, revealed on objects of ancient art, are the inspiration for this exciting original composition. It really brings the conflicts of these legendary, powerful creatures to life for young string orchestras!
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Grade 1.5
Here is a strong choice for your next festival or concert performance! Full of energy and vitality, this contemporary, fresh-sounding selection will motivate your players and impress your audience!
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Grade 1.5
Battle of the Ancient Dragons
The history of dragons is universal throughout the cultures of the ancient world. Great battles involving dragons, revealed on objects of ancient art, are the inspiration for this exciting original composition. It really brings the conflicts of these legendary, powerful creatures to life for young string orchestras!
*Recorded by Washington Winds, Edward S. Petersen, Conductor
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Grade 1.5
The 31st Day of Oktober is intended to be a spooky musical journey through the early tale of Halloween. The ancient Celts believed that on this day spirits of the dead would cross over into the other world. Your beginning string players will ask to play this every day! It's hard to believe that six notes can be so effective and so scary!
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Grade 2
Imagine spending the Christmas holidays in an old "Wild West" town, with cowboys and Indians, wagon rides, gunfights, and, of course, a visit from Old Saint Nick! Based on Jingle Bells, with snippets of other well-loved tunes woven in, including the Lone Ranger theme, this piece is sure to make your audience smile as they experience Christmas and the Old West in a new way!
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Grade 2
A best selling band piece is the basis of this dynamic string arrangement. Capturing all of the great energy of the original, the very careful string treatment makes it accessible even for second year groups. Memorable melodies, syncopated rhythms and great percussion writing creates a real treat your students will want to play every day! (Rob Grice/arr. Law )
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Grade 2
This piece is exciting, and uses dissonance and clashing rhythms to portray advancing warriors! Inspired by a trip to Beijing and the vast terracotta army of warriors protecting their long dead emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The tension builds musically as we follow the emperor in the unification of China, the building of the Great Wall and his endless search for immortality. Outstanding!
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Grade 2.5
This ominous piece for developing orchestras offers the opportunity to perform a mature-sounding composition without being technically demanding. Dissonant harmonies and pulsating rhythms will stimulate the imaginations of young musicians.
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Grade 2.5
Here is an aggressive original composition that explores contemporary harmonies and vigorous rhythms while creating feelings of animation and excitement. Use this piece to build musicianship through work on harmony, dynamics, balance and intensity. Sustain the overall drive and energy to the last note!
