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Originally written by Edward Grieg in 1875, this famous mazurka from Peer Gynt Suite #1 runs the stylistic gamut between delicate lyricism and spirited staccato. In his new scoring for standard string orchestra, Finno makes sure that lead material appears in all parts and says that changes in dynamics must be emphasised to give full voice to Grieg's dramatic vision.

American Grade 2 Standard Strings with opt. piano

American Grade 2 Standard Strings with opt. piano and percussion. Great fun!

Now available for string orchestra, this classic American tune is perfect to let your string groups learn swing jazz styles and blues-type harmonies. Written with an ensemble approach, the swing and syncopated rhythms are carefully notated to introduce this genre to your developing students.

“Wonka's Welcome Song,” “Veruca Salt” and “Augustus Gloop” are included in this exciting arrangement. The essence of the themes from the Danny Elfman score of the hit movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory™, are made available to your beginners by Michael Story.

This bright and bouncy tune from the film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang™, offers all instruments an opportunity to play the melody. Violins I and II and Viola begin this familiar tune in unison with the Celli an octave lower. With the pick up to 29 - 36, the Basses and Celli are featured with the melody. This arrangement also has ample eighth and quarter note bowing variations.

This marvelous showcase for three soloists-- violin, viola, cello -- is ideal for groups with mixed abilities; the solo parts are grade 3, the orchestra parts are grade 2. Though the basic form in this creative original follows the Baroque model, the harmonic material is modal in the vigorous opening and closing sections and highly Romantic in the lyrical middle section.

A very exciting, high energy piece, “Concerto in D” blends the beauty of Baroque style with the elegance of the classical guitar repertoire. Though written as a very easy piece for young strings, this tune will provide your orchestra a more advanced sound. The parts lay well on each instrument and are often rhythmically doubled. A super simple introduction to chromatic movement in the violins!

A dramatic work with a hint of romance, 'Conquistador!' depicts the life and adventures of the Spanish explorers. Life on the trail is conveyed through tension and motion; it is achieved with repeated note passages in the natural A minor key with rising and flowing eighth notes. A softer, more lyrical section represents the restful time for the Conquistadors, while a gentle, underlying Latin rhythm keeps the pulse alive. A great example of how excitement and expression can be achieved. American Grade 2

In this setting of one of America's best-loved hymn tunes, Elliot offers young string orchestras the chance to experience firsthand its great melodic lyricism. Though everyone except basses are muted throughout, Elliot says players should strive for fullness of tone and a singing, cantabile style of bowing. To assist during rehearsals and performances (if desired), an optional piano part is provided.

(Recorded by Sting)

This fabulous medley of the top themes from the latest blockbuster, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™, brings the essence of the main themes of the movie to your beginners. It begins with the music of the fast paced game at which Harry excels – “The Quidditch World Cup (The Irish).” The beautiful, lyric “Hogwart’s Hymn” comes next followed by “Neville’s Waltz.”

The beat just won’t stop in this Latin setting of three traditional Christmas carols. The familiar melodies of each carol, “Joy to the World,” “Good King Wenceslas” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” are set in the distinctive Latin rhythms of the rumba, the bossa nova and the cha-cha. An easy D Major tune, all strings stay in first position and, with the exception of the drumset, the percussion is playable by members of the string section. A sure crowd pleaser and parents will love watching each child play the melody!

Highly recommended! Beautiful harmonies. American Grade 2.5

The energetic fiddling style of Celtic Music continues to be a hit with the incredible success of both Lord of the Dance and Riverdance stage productions. It's tuneful, rhythmic and fun!

All beginning players love to play a rhythmic 'riff', and this one gives you a chance to teach 5/4 meter in a fun way. Lots of unisons, appropriate changes to the melody, and infectious percussion parts (optional).

“A Mozart Mix” is a delightful medley of several of Mozart's most memorable and familiar melodies from The Marriage of Figaro, “Rondo Alla Turca,” “Alleluia,” and “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.” This is a wonderful piece for teaching style and music history while acquainting students with some of this composer's best known works.

Through this suite of five English dances from the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, young string players will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the “Musik of Shakespeare’s Daye.” Even students with only fundamental performance skills will enjoy playing the varied movements of this clever arrangement, each with musically interesting parts for all instruments. The spirited “Noel’s Galliard” by Anthony Holborne is followed by the stately “Alman” (or allemande) by William Brade. The slower “English Pavan,” as interpreted by the French composer Claude Gervaise, contrasts with a string setting of Thomas Ravenscroft’s lively madrigal “Martin Said to the Man.” The suite closes with the vigorous “King’s Galliard,” by the English master, John Dowland. These dances from the time of the Great Bard will make an excellent addition to any concert programme, and will enrich the school music curriculum.

Classic Beatles with its simple, tuneful and repetitive strains. Your kids will know it and your audience will certainly enjoy this rendition for string orchestra.

This evergreen song by the legendary Roy Orbison has become an icon in pop music history, instantly recognized from the opening riff and driving drum beat.

The distinctive, forceful theme from this legendary Broadway show is once again at the musical forefront with the success of the new film.

The charm and simplicity of Mozart's music continues to captivate today's audiences as we celebrate the 300th anniversary of his birth. Here is an ideal way to bring the genius of Amadeus to your developing string group with a work that is well designed for student players.

This hauntingly beautiful melody is an ideal teaching piece for expressive style and 6/8 meter. Taken from Bizet's stage work The Pearl Fishers, the style of the vocal melody has been wonderfully transformed for string orchestra by Robert Longfield.

The Shaker hymn, Simple Gifts, is an arranger's delight because the tune lends itself so well to a wide variety of musical presentations. In this new version for student strings, an expressive middle section contrasts wonderfully with the more dramatic opening and closing sections. All parts are equally important, and the key of G puts young players in familiar territory.

from West Side Story

This medley of folk songs came from a recent trip to Russia by arranger Jamin Hoffman. Katyusha, Moscow Evenings and Kalinka are all rich in tradition, each with a distinctive taste of the land that has given the world so much important music.

The memorable tune that started so many young string players' playing experience is transformed into a set of variations ala Mozart himself. Your players will be charmed by the inventive treatments of this simple, diatonic song with Rober's impressive movement for string orchestra.

Based on: Sleep My Little Darling. A simple, beautiful tune from Venezuela is superbly arranged for young players. The importance of this song in the Venezuelan culture is such that it is incorporated into the national anthem. Not only a lovely performance piece for strings, but great cross-curriculur teaching material as well. (opt. guitar or keyboard)

A solid original work that is set in the minor mode with contrasting sections, Vortex has a bold, edgy style in the main theme that will appeal to younger players. Opportunities to teach important ensemble concepts also make this an attractive choice.

“Wipe Out” is a rock and roll tune from the 1960’s about surfing, performed and made popular by the group, The Surfaris. The term “wipe out” refers to getting knocked off one’s surfboard by a wave instead of having a successful ride. The entire piece should be played off the string and at the frog for best energy and most authentic rock sound. The only exceptions to this are the glissandi which appear in several of the parts and the final two bars where a lot of bow should be used by violins and violas for the improvisation on the blues scale. It is especially important that the “chop” parts (off-beat accompaniment figures) in the second violin, third violin and viola parts at Letter C are percussive, off the string and at the frog. From Letter C to the final two bars, cellos and basses should be divided half playing arco and half pizz for best effect. Though this is a popular tune, it is also a wonderful teaching piece for off-string bowing and chromatic fingering. Remind violin and viola students to keep their fingers in contact with the string as they move between high and low second or first fingers. Violin, viola and cello parts remain entirely in first position. The few glissando parts exceed this, but are easily managed. Second violins should mark their fingerboard to locate high G on the G string on which they begin their glissando. The bass part is written to involve passages using second and third positions; these are clearly marked and fingerings have been provided. The “drumming” effects on the bass require players to remove all watches, rings and other jewelry from both hands before beginning the piece. Try to get accurate placement of the accents during this very famous syncopated passage. This piece can be performed strictly as a string orchestra selection or with the additional optional instruments of piano, drum set, electric guitar, electric bass and headless tambourine.

The 'Emperor' is probably the most grand of all the Strauss waltzes. All of the themes are represented in this grade 2 arrangement. Students will enjoy sharing the melodies and helping to create a dazzling performance. An optional piano part is included, along with 3 copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part in each set. Duration 3:50.