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Easy, easy, easy yet powerful! This ever-popular video game music grabs their attention while providing plenty of opportunities for stealth teaching - they will be having so much fun they will never know how much they are learning! Every section takes their turn with the melody and an accented rhythmic accompaniment. Great for into-the-string playing, rhythmic study, learning to accompany and more. Duration: 2:00

Beautiful Bach! A lovely transcription of the Air from the Goldberg Variations and the Bourreé from the Suite in F set in two movements

Includes: All Is Well; O Holy Night; Silent Night

This traditional American lullaby has a simple, yet captivating melody. Set securely in the Aeolian mode (natural minor), its rainbow-like phrase begins with upward jumps, and then ends with relaxing downward scale steps. In this arrangement of “All The Pretty Little Horses”, the environment of the gentle lullaby is occasionally infused with a restless tension that moves into a region set with a swaying Latin feel. Opportunities for improvised or composed student solos are provided in this section. Printed solos are provided in the viola and first violin parts. Position work is required in the first violin, cello, bass, and the solo viola. “Hush-a-bye, don't you cry, Go to sleepy little baby. When you wake you shall have, All the pretty little horses.”

The beloved, gentle folk ballad has been arranged in a easy, comfortable setting for string ensembles by Keith Christopher. His treatment includes nice melodic opportunities for second violin and viola, a simple key change, and effective, but optional percussion.

.This grade 2+ original solves a common problem for many string groups - a fun and playable piece for everyone, while being challenging and interesting for the more advanced players. It features three classical sounding string quartet sections that can be played by advanced students, with contrasting tutti sections between that showcase everyone in a fast, exciting march style. Parts in the quartet sections can be doubled or tripled depending on the ability of your group. Duration 3:25.

Celebrate the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss with this hit single from the Broadway show, Seussical! While providing harmonic structure that will allow work on intonation, this is also a perfect tune to embellish with skits and costumes for young strings or as a quick addition to a Pops concert for a more advanced group! Duration: 2:15

A beautiful piece! The flowing of a river is reflected in this wonderful tune that will build slow bows for beginners. An introduction to melodic, sustained playing that is suitable for young players.

Based on the spiritual “Little David, Play Your Harp,” James Curnow combines an American orchestral style with contemporary harmonies and orchestration to craft an impressive movement for strings. Simple tempo and style changes add interest and color to this wonderful work for student players.

A memorable and dramatic symphonic theme from Tchaikovsky is now available for strings with this new version by Robert Longfield. Treat your students to a rich musical experience of this revered composer of orchestral masterworks. Dur: 4:20

Taken from Tchaikovsky's String Quartet, Op.II, this edition features primarily tutti scoring and provides an opportunity to teach basic meter changes (2/4 to 3/4). Dur: 3:50

A simple tune, supplemented by skilled counterpoint, makes this new work appealing to younger groups. A rich sounding piece that will bring the best out of your string orchestra.

String students with only basic skills can experience the rich sounds of the Romantic era in these two contrasting movements from Elgar's delightful work. All sections have a chance to play interesting melodies and lush harmonic accompaniments. While playable by beginners, students with more advanced skills will still find this a rewarding piece. Duration: 3:30

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.

Bach's exquisite melodies give teachers a great opportunity for teaching important musical concepts and to provide delightful concert material for developing groups. Here's one of his most famous tunes, skillfully placed into a setting that give students confidence and learning success.

One of the earliest examples of tone painting, Vivaldi's “Four Seasons” has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire. This energetic movement from “Autumn“ depicts a hunt on a crisp fall morning and is full of learning opportunities for your young orchestra including: terraced dynamics, hooked bowings and dotted rhythms. The original violin solo has been simplified and distributed to two solo violins with solo cello accompaniment. Full and mature-sounding, yet very playable by less-experienced students.

Fast, romantic melodies pass through all the parts, sweeping beneath fiery ostinatos in “Avatar.”  This piece is designed to give students experience with the extreme ranges of their instruments – plenty of E-string passages for the violins, C-string passages for the violas and ‘cellos, and rumbling bass lines. Students and audiences will be enthralled by the dark tone and passionate style of Avatar, right up to the thrilling conclusion.

American Grade 2 Standard Strings with opt. piano

This grade 2 arrangement of a traditional Canton tune is a vivid, festive allegro that paints a picture of people holding and shaking large lion masks as they dance through the streets to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This music dates back to the Qing Dynasty (ca. 1644-1912), and is from the Canton province of southern China. Duration 2:20.

This barcarolle endures as probably the most popular of the three famous barcarolles in Offenbach's legendary opera, The Tales of Hoffman. This new version for developing strings is set in 3/4 with melodic lines for several sections, plus ample and tasteful use of pizzicato in the accompaniment. A longtime light classical favorite.

Expert Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 2, page 30

Based on the old-time melody to 'Buffalo Gals', Bass-ically Bluegrass will showcase your bass section and the orchestra will look their best! In this classical setting reflecting bluegrass influences, the orchestra 'trades licks' with the bass section. The bass solo uses a one-octave D scale, which the other sections remain in first position throughout. The bass features may be payed by a solo bassist or by your entire bass section. American Grade 2

Arranged in a solid ensemble version for strings, here is an accessible setting of the memorable main theme as heard in the movie phenomenon Twilight. Your students will love to perform Carter Burwell's simple, elegant tune that is a key part of the film's storyline.

Fantastic value ! Five lovely selections specifically to show off the young string orchestra. Play all for a ready-to-go concert or choose one or two. All are short, attainable and will sound great!

A complete concert in one set or three smaller gems! Kit 5 includes German Song by Tchaikovsky and Adagio and Allegro, both by Mozart.

This beautiful lullaby is a great piece for teaching slurs, bow distribution, bowing variation, grace notes and legato style. A fermata and a ritard near the end are perfect for teaching tempo changes. All parts are playable in first position. An optional piano part is included.

From the Broadway show Sweet Charity comes this new version of the show's most memorable production number. From the famous opening 6-note riff, this sassy swing number is a crowd pleaser all the way. Dur: 2:55

Using pizzicato and body percussion, Meyer has created an intriguing journey into the realm of sound that is sure to fascinate! Full of unexpected surprises, all sections get a chance to explore a wide variety of percussive sounds that include the traditional snapping, stomping, and clapping combined with a myriad of much more unusual effects! Humorous, dramatic, and magical, Bio Rhythms is a definite 'showstopper!' Duration: 3:10

One of the most famous orchestral works of all time and now available in a setting for younger players, Blue Danube Waltz will introduce your players to one of the most performed genres in orchestral playing, the grand waltz. Dur: 3:20

Imagine the stately bird, the blue heron, in the marshes along Lake Erie. When standing on one leg in the water, the bird is visible to the careful observer, yet their large wingspan makes them majestic flyers. This piece calls for a moderate tempo. After the short introduction, the next 16 measures are played piano, mezzo forte and forte. This is followed by two versions with variations. All players get to play the melody and bowings and dynamics make the music more interesting for the audience and performers as the piece comes to a loud ending.

This popular fiddle tune will become an instant favorite with grade 2+ groups. Featuring easy-to-play fast passages that sound very impressive without demanding a great deal of technical ability, this will be a perfect ending to any concert! Duration 4:10.

This Brahms piano piece has been carefully crafted into a wonderful ensemble piece for strings with this attractive setting by Robert Longfield. His approach is perfect for teaching melody versus harmony, with some careful placement of the melody in the inner and lower parts.

This medley of traditional sea-faring songs, while written in the sand dunes of beautiful Lake Michigan, brings to life a sense of the wide-open ocean as well. “Sea Chanty,” an exciting, rhythmic, driving tune opens the medley followed by “Sloop John B” in an easy going Caribbean style. “Sailor’s Hornpipe,” an up-tempo fiddle tune, wraps up the piece. Imagine the sailors in days of old dancing on the wooden deck for exercise as each section takes their turn with the melody!

The memorable Italian folk tune, ideal for teaching 6/8 meter. Duration 2:15. Master Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 2, page 43

Go back in time to days of old with gallant knights and lovely ladies! “Castle Lore” is a unique setting of two Irish folksongs, the stately “Grace O'Malley” and the sprightly “Brian Boru’s March.”

“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.

The clever song that will bring a grin to your holiday concert audience.

So cute, yet the hottest of pop rock! Reach your students through their music with Clumsy, as performed and co-authored by pop diva Fergie. From one of today’s hippest artists, a simple love song about how clumsy a person can become when they are head over heels in love! Fergie performed the song on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2008.

Expert Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 2, page 30

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.

This little dance will delight! The composer leads us to a fantasy in the deep desert, after the sun goes down. Encouraged by the coolness of the evening, a cactus is spotted donning his cowboy hat and dancing in the moonlight!

Rock and roll for the young string orchestra! Australian Andy Firth’s tune rocks out in this setting by Bob Phillips. Under the melody, the crocodile lurks - always there! A great piece to use for teaching all sections to go from lo 1 to 1. Each section has interesting and very playable parts that will sound great and be fun to play.

Crosscurrent has all the elements for success with younger players. Set in E minor with bold melody and lots of rhythmic drive, it's a style that students love to play. A cutting edge number to add fun and balance to your string ensemble repertoire.

Debuting in the summer of 2008 at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #1 on iTunes, Crush is hot, hot, hot! The debut single of David Archuleta, runner-up of the seventh season of American Idol, has been arranged for string orchestra and is ready to grab the attention of your students! With a hummable melody and driving mid-tempo rhythms, your audience will enjoy this as well.

American Grade 2 Standard Strings with opt. piano

American Grade 2+ Standard Strings with opt. piano

“Here she comes, just a walkin' down the street” – a classic pop tune that everybody knows and it works great for strings, echo effects and all. It's fun, infectious, and easy to play.

Featuring all the flair and passion that the title suggests, this dramatic original casts low strings in the starring role. Designed for grade 2 groups, the use of the optional percussion parts for wind chimes, castanets and tamborine will enhance the stylistic authenticity. An optional piano part is also included. Duration ca. 2:00

Now Is The Month Of Maying by Thomas Morley is presented here for grade 2 string orchestras. Written during the Elizabethan era, this madrigal was one of the most popular of its time. High and low instruments take turns playing the beautiful melody while accompanying parts use a variety of devices - pizzicato, imitation, and counterpoint - to keep the sound fresh. An optional piano part is included. Duration 2:20

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.

Based on Purcell's 'Come, Ye Sons of Art' An English Ode is set in D major with strong lines for each part and minimal chromatics, making it an ideal ensemble teaching piece for developing groups.  Robert Longfield's careful handling of each part will ensure success and confidence from your young players. Dur: 1:45

Norway's entry and the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. Grade: Easy, but there is ornamentation on first Violin part

This selection is essentially a set of variations on the “Pong Lang Dance”, one of Thailand's most popular melodies. The pong lang is a suspended vertical wooden xylophone whose keys are arranged upside down, with the low notes on the upper end and the high notes at the bottom. The melody uses the pentatonic scale and is very simple in nature. The variations do not retain the phrase lengths or harmonic structure of the original melody as traditional variations would, but rather expand on fragments of the original tune in a variety of tempi and styles. After this exploration, the original melody returns, gradually gaining speed and energy as one would hear in a traditional performance of this dance.

This arrangement of six authentic Chanukah songs will be a welcomed addition to the string repertoire as teachers continue to create multi-cultural learning experience for students. Maoz Tsur, Oseh Shalom, Svivon, Mi Yamaiel, Chanukah and My Dreydl, are Hebrew folk songs that reflect the spirit of this diverse holiday. While suitable for advanced ensembles, the piece is well within the reach of younger groups as well. Duration: 5:20

“Fiddles Down Under” presents an opportunity for string students to learn three standard fiddle tunes from the Australian “bush music” tradition. After a brief introduction, the sea chantey “Bound for South Australia” is presented by all the instruments. Later, the orchestra plays two versions of the famous Australian folk tune, “Waltzing Matilda” – first the older, ‘traditional’ melody, and finally the popular version so loved throughout the world. Lots of fiddling features – driving rhythms, shuffles, fun back-up parts, and an energetic bass line – will make this arrangement a favourite of the players and will leave the audience wanting to shout, “G’day, mate!”

This 12-bar blues tune is to be performed in a rock style. It is full of energy, syncopation and a variety of dynamics and articulations. 'X' note heads indicate 'blanks' to be filled in with stomping or fun percussion instruments. You'll enjoy this interactive experience with your ensemble. Duration: 2:15

One of Brahms' most recognized thems in a smart version for developing players. Essential Elements Expert Level.

This grade 2+ medley of 7 patriotic tunes contains excellent material for concert performances and celebrations. Titles include: America The Beautiful; Marines Hymn; The Caissons Go Rolling Along; America; Anchors Aweigh; You’re A Grand Old Flag; and The Star Spangled Banner. Optional piano and percussion parts are included as well as 3 copies of the Viola T.C./Violin 3 part in each set. Duration 4:10.

Recalling popular choral arrangements of African-American spirituals of the last several decades, the rhythmic style and energy of this piece is sure to please students and audiences alike. Characteristic examples such as “call-and-response” and flatted fifths present opportunities for the learning of stylistic elements, while players develop skills playing syncopated rhythms in both straight and swing styles.  “Freedom Train” could also be used as a practical departure point for improvisation in the rehearsal or performance setting utilizing the basic I-IV-I chord structure found in the 4-bar introduction.

The Beach Boys' music never fades from the airwaves with its summer fun, surfing and hot rod style that defined the sixties. Here's one of their most memorable tunes, smartly arranged for younger string groups. Dur: 1:35

Straight from the spectacular Cirque du Soleil stage production, “O,” comes this haunting and beautiful song. Both primitive and sophisticated, this dramatic arrangement will be a welcome addition to any string performance! Duration: 2:40

An outstanding teaching piece that can serve as an introduction to many aspects of ensemble playing including cut-time and pizzicato. Each section is interesting and has important melodic parts in a well-balanced arrangement for younger players.

Here is a refreshing, simple treatment of the tradional carol that can give younger players performance success. Lloyd Conley's writing for developing groups is always a solid choice for directors. Dur: 2:25

From Steve Winwood and the Spencer Davis group, this R&B classic is always a favoUrite to rock the house

Teaching opportunities abound in this bouncy piece! The first violin part explores third position and all instruments have extended finger patterns. The use of dynamics is important, however, the piece is eminently playable by a young orchestra. Duration: 2:10

from Bizet's Carmen Suite no.2, this easy Robert Frost setting of the famous dance theme is scored in d minor and major. American Grade 1-1.5.

This grade 2+ arrangement of the celebratory Hebrew folk song, meaning “Let Us Rejoice”, is a staple of band performers at Jewish festivals. Though the tune is an ancient folk song, the person responsible for the popularity of this tune is Abraham Zevi Idelsohn - the father of Jewish Musicology. In 1918 he orchestrated the tune and added simple lyrics to the folksong to celebrate the British victory in Palestine during World War I. Duration ca. 1:55.

Franz Joseph Haydn’s works are known to contain many musical jokes, and the Surprise Symphony (Symphony No. 94) includes the most famous of all - a sudden loud chord in the theme of the second movement after a tranquil opening. The music then returns to its original quiet dynamic, as if nothing had happened, and the ensuing variations do not repeat the joke. As the story goes, the sudden forte (the “surprise”) is supposed to wake up any audience members who have started to doze off. This arrangement for grade 2 players in the key of C provides a great opportunity for students to listen for pitch accuracy on the F and C naturals. Duration 2:50.

Selected from the rich heritage of Highland music, this suite presents three of the finest examples of Scottish folk song in musically captivating settings written with developing players in mind. Included are “The Blue Bells of Scotland,” “Turn Ye To Me,” and “Bobby Shaftoe.” The entire suite has a total performance time of about five and a half minutes, with each movement also capable of standing alone.

Featured on the Eagles’ new album, Long Road Out of Eden, here’s the pop single How Long. With a driving rock beat, the arrangement is solidly scored in the Hot Pop Series at the intermediate level, making it easily accessible to every high school band and a special treat for your middle school band. The Eagles’ popularity never wanes and this tune will have them rockin’ in the aisles!

Here's a instantly recognizable tune from the classical repertoire that provides a teaching moment for the troublesome dotted 8th-16th note figure.

With its remake in the film Sister Act, this pop classic has all the trademark “hooks” that work great for a pop string group. The sixties/Motown feel is fun and easy to play. Dur: 2:15

Inspired by the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains, the composer uses interesting harmonies, easy rhythms, and a minor melodic line passed around to different sections to make this grade 2 composition a favorite among young string players.  Careful attention should be paid to the F naturals throughout.  Upper strings can develop the use of 4th finger instead of open strings for a more mature sound.

American Grade 2+ Standard Strings with opt. piano

This song was very popular early in the 20th century. It is spirited and bouncy. Hooked bowing is used, along with other bowing. This occurs when the dotted eighth note is followed by a 16th note. The marked tempo can be changed, if desired. The tempo should be kept steady to the end. If a retard is desired for the last two measures – OK!

Standard Strings with opt. piano This fun grade 2+ arrangement includes three of Scott Joplin’s more familiar “rags” - The Weeping Willow, Peacherine Rag, The Easy Winners. Interesting and challenging parts for everyone are included, and this arrangement is a great introduction to this popular style. An optional piano part is included, as well as 3 copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part in each set. Duration 2:25.

This children’s nonsense song is full of fun! Sprinkled with lighthearted silliness, there is much to be explored and learned in this arrangement, including a broad range of articulations and dynamics, quick switches from pizz to arco and back, and a key change in the middle. You will also hear quotes from “Old MacDonald,” “Turkey in the Straw” and the children’s “taunting motif” (nanner, nanner, nanner!). Very brief position work in the cello and bass, and an optional third position ending in the first violin make this an accessible piece for your young musicians. Singsong kitty catch-a-kymee-oh!

This fun, upbeat piece utilizes classical techniques and harmonies in the comfortable key of D Major. Roy Phillippe has created a perfect teaching piece for grade 2 groups - the singable melody will create interest for the players, while challenging them with 4th finger requirements and 3rd position for the bass players. Duration 1:40

The well-known theme from Dvorak’s New World Symphony is presented in a grade 2 musical-paraphrase that allows for a fresh and exciting setting for strings. An optional piano part is included, as well as 3 copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part in each set. Duration 3:00

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!

Master Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 2, page 43

This arrangement of the Franz von Suppé classic is presented in cut time for the benefit of grade 2 players who have not either been exposed to 6/8 time, or find it problematic to negotiate. All the integrity of the original has been retained to provide a positive musical and educational experience for players and audiences. Duration 1:45.

Lots of fun and a great piece to introduce syncopation!

It was while visiting his sister in “Little Russia” (an area of Southern Russia known better as the Ukraine) that Tchaikovsky got the idea to compose a new symphony based on songs he heard from the inhabitants. The first performance of the new symphony (his second) took place in Moscow in 1873, and was revised eight years later. This march (the symphony's second movement) is actually the tragic wedding march from Tchaikovsky's discarded opera “Undine”. Simple chromatics, hooked bowings, and staccato and marcato bow styles make this charming work an excellent teaching piece for young orchestras.

One of the all-time Latin favourites.

With one of the great riffs of all time, this is the one you'll hear your string students warming up on before rehearsal. It's simple, infectious, and hard to stop with Larry's fun-loving arrangement. 1:50

Designed to help students practice playing accidentals and chromatic notes, Mambo Incognito employs attractive Latin rhythms and sly melodies that both students and audiences will enjoy. Each section of the orchestra gets a turn at the quirky, rhythmic melodies, and optional percussion parts are included for extra support and color. Mambo Incognito is a great workout for bowing and fingering that is really fun to play! Duration: 2:10

American Grade 2+ Standard Strings

Immerse yourself in the popular tournaments of the Middle Ages, when knights would compete against each other in tests of will, strength, and agility in the name of honour. The dark opening sets the stage for the entry of the knights, who ride into the stadium with a noble theme over pulsating lower strings. As the tournament begins, the music becomes aggressive and driving, drawing everyone into the action. The final ceremony crowns our champion and brings the music to a magnificent and regal finale! Duration: 3:00

What fun! With typical tongue-in-cheek humour, these two short and easy pieces will become an adorable addition to the school repertoire. Presented here as a two-movement piece, the first tune passes the simple two-note melody between sections, all very easy with a few more challenging notes for the first violins. The second piece also features the first violins and is very playable for second year students. Play them together or individually for a brief but cute interlude!

Traditional Mexican Christmas tunes in an exciting mariachi setting! Perfect for the young orchestra, using easy rhythms in the keys of D and G. Includes the tunes Campaña Sobre Campaña, Este Noche Es Noche Buena and Ándale Juana.

Master Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 2, page 43

American Grade 2+ Standard Strings with opt. piano & opt. percussion

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).

Composer Jim Kazik brings us this solid Grade 2 overture and programmatic piece that gives interesting melodic parts to all sections, including bass. Set in the comfortable key of E minor with carefully placed eighth-note figures, the musical sound is full with approachable contemporary harmonies. An ideal full ensemble teaching piece.

A captivating medley by Robert Frost of musical gems by Czech composer Bedrich Smetana. American Grade 2-2.5

This tune from The Fairy Queen Suite (No. 2) represents the finest of Henry Purcell’s work and is delightful with its emphasis on a light marcato stroke that flows easily and naturally at an allegretto tempo. The key of G major in both the 6/8 and 2/4 sections fits naturally under the fingers for young string students. The bass part has been simplified in a few places to more accurately match the technical abilities of young bass players; otherwise the cello and bass parts are in unison or octaves. These elements combine to make this an accessible grade 2 arrangement. Three copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part are included in each set. Duration 1:30.

Feature your best violinist, or let the whole 1st violin section play the beautiful minor melody starting and ending this unique piece.  Contrasting sections with a jazzy feel and rich chordal texture make this composition appealing.

American Grade 2+ Standard Strings

Robert Longfield's arrangement brings Mozart's musical charm to the holiday stage with this classical favorite (German Dance No. 3). In an easy, approachable 3/4 setting, it includes an optional sleigh bell part to add to the festive style. Dur: 3:15

American Grade 2 (Soloists 3) Solo parts included for any combination of violin, viola or cello. Excellent opportunity for section leaders to shine with brilliant passage work alternating with lyric sections. Inspired by a class viewing of Amadeus

This popular song from The Sound of Music in an easy setting which lets you teach several of the basic rhythm patterns needed in 3/4 meter, including those with a rest on beat one. Dur: 1:40

Here's a new version of the novelty song from the 1800s, featuring a “clock” player throughout. This clever arrangement musically depicts the folklore behind this song, which is provided in the programme notes and is ideal for sharing with students and audiences.

Written in the style of the 50’s and 60’s rock-and-roll period, this tune from the hit movie, Hairspray, will provide great musical fun. The usually syncopated lines have been modified without losing the drive, “feel” or “groove” of the music. Let your young players rock on with this piece! Duration: 2:10

Quite the rage globally, this charismatic tune is all over the airwaves … even used domestically in a prominent television commercial. From the Yael Naïm CD, New Soul seems almost familiar, but it’s actually brand new. Your brass and woodwind players take turns sharing the upbeat melody with a solid pulse as the foundation. Right off the airwaves … it’s fresh, tuneful and—most of all—great fun! American Grade 2 Includes: Score; Strings 8-8-5-5-5; Piano Accompaniment (opt.); Drumset

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 traditional fiddle tune, Old Joe Clark, is alive and well in this new setting for grade 2 groups. With double stops, banjo style strums, and a chance to feature your outstanding violinists, both the musicians and the audience will be asking for more. An optional piano part is included, as well as 3 copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part in each set. Duration 2:45.

From the pop charts to string orchestra, Enya's simple, engaging melodies are a wonderful change from the standard fare. Larry Moore has arranged this mega-hit into a version that all string orchestras can perform and enjoy.

John Moss has transformed this traditional festive tune by placing it in a lighthearted duple meter style (not 6/8), making it more playable by younger players. Dur: 2:10

Expert Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 2, page 30

Three delightful 'village' songs from the Spanish Renaissance have been combined into this instrumental suite for younger string ensembles. The short movements have the stylistic shifts between major and minor modes, and are written with melodic, moving parts for all instruments. The optional medieval percussion can add to the Renaissance flavour. 1. Song of the Innkeeper; 2. Song of the Soldier. 3. Song of the Woodmen

With high seas adventure music and themes that kids love to play, once again Jack Sparrow and his mates are entertaining millions of moviegoers with this third and last chapter. Robert Longfield's easy medley brings the music to young orchestras with Hoist the Colors, Drink Up Me Hearties, and Up Is Down. Dur: 2:15

Great Fun! Country-style fun is all around with Stephen Bulla's clever tune that features plenty of pizzicato, easy stylized fiddling, and even some banjo/guitar position playing from the violins and violas. Dur: 3:00

The Quakers are historically staunch pacifists but fervent advocates of women’s rights, prison reform, humane treatment of the mentally ill and the abolition of slavery. Help introduce students to these important people in history through this setting of “How Can I Keep from Singing?,” a popular, lyrical tune with strong melodic rhythms that represent the quiet power of the hymn’s message. All sections are featured.

This traditional ragtime style piece is sure to delight your students and audiences alike. It emphasizes syncopation and hooked bowings, and will be a perfect teaching tool for grade 2 groups. According to typical ragtime form, a “trio” section midway through contrasts nicely with the opening/closing theme. Duration 3:15.

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.

Famous Baroque themes, solidly arranged for young string ensemble Essential Elements Expert Level.

Directors are always looking for memorable, popular music that works well for younger string players. This gentle folk-style ballad from one of Broadway's longest running shows is stunning in this new setting for string ensembles. Dur: 2:30

American Grade 2+ Standard Strings

Playfully written, Scherzando employs mostly down and up bowing, includes some two-note slurs, and all instruments are given the chance to play the melody. American Grade 2

Lush and lyrical, this setting of the traditional Scottish song, Annie Laurie, was written by her sweetheart, William Douglas, in the 19th century. The song became a favorite of Scottish soldiers during the Crimean War and will delight your audiences! Duration: 2:40

This new string work features seven German schottisch melodies combined in a light, whimsical program number. Following the familiar, rhythmic hop-hop-hop-step pattern, Schottisches gives a great opportunity to teach some traditional dance style music.

One of the best spy themes ever and it never seems to lose its appeal. The driving feel in a minor key and distinctive “sleuthy” half steps make it fun to play. Dur: 2:00

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.

Of all Shaker hymns, this is undoubtedly the best known because it served as the basis for Copland's ballet, Appalachian Spring. Arranged here for strings, it combines simple pentatonic melodies with memorable rhythms. Harmonics, tremolo and strummed chords in the keys of G and D add flair, and the score contains an excellent synopsis of Shaker life for students and audiences. For standard strings with optional piano.

American Grade 2+ Standard Strings with opt. piano

Hola! A serene, singing original melody with a south of the border accompaniment that’s perfect for including cross-cultural themes in the string class! The delicate, flowing sound simulates an evening serenade.

Three song classics that pay tribute to American women during our country's formative years are combined into this delightful folk medley that plays beautifully with string ensemble. As you'd expect from Robert Longfield, the treatments are creative and well designed for student players. Includes: (Oh, My Darling) Clementine, Sweet Betsy from Pike, and Oh! Susanna. Dur: 3:20