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Take your young musicians and the audience on a trip to Africa with this tuneful and rhythmic offering. The tribal Swahili beat and authentic-sounding harmonies will provide a colourful and vibrant moment on your next concert.

Prometheus, through trickery, stole fire from Zeus, gave it to mortals, and was punished daily for eternity for the crime. This is a great topic for discussion and students will have a great time imagining which of the creatures are being portrayed all the while being immersed in Beethoven.

Now, not just for piano players! String players can also have the experience of playing this elegant and gorgeous piece. Written in 3/4 instead of the original 6/8 and with easy written-out ornaments, this arrangement will make developing groups sound mature beyond their years.

The melody of this famous aria is very simple, yet expressive and provides an easy introduction for students to the style of the Classical period, accompanied by an easy version of an Alberti bass figure or the undulating eighth note accompaniment figure. The tune is shared between all sections of the orchestra and is presented in a statement-and-response format.

Everyone gets to play Bach’s lovely melodies in this very easy piece featuring March, Minuet I, Minuet II, and Musette. In D Major with no hi 3s or forward extensions, this piece provides practice in a variety of meters. A great first-time concert piece that will sound more difficult than it plays!

This bluegrass fiddle version of Rossini's famous overture will get your audiences' toes tappin' and our violinists' fingers flyin'. The entire violin section is featured in this fun, virtuosic-sounding rendition that is perfect for recruiting concerts, encores, or just plain showing off! Loaded with string crossings and doubled notes, this piece will give your violins a workout. Included is an alternate violin part for those violinists not yet ready to solo.

Easy double stops, a pickin' and grinnin' country tune, and all with a fun country fiddlin' style, and you've got the recipe for a crowd-pleasing program number.

From the powerful stage show Celtic Woman comes this simple song that translates wonderfully for strings. Bob Longfield's skilled setting for younger players features ample opportunities to teach expressive playing, rubato, and musical nuance

Delightful! One of Boccherini's most famous pieces, this joyful minuet comes from the third movement of his Quintet in E Major. Robert's version is ideally scored for string ensembles and will make a super programme choice.

One of the all-time favourite TV themes is arranged for string orchestra in this new version that is perfect for developing string players. Your students will love playing the bold Western theme with its memorable repeated-note hook

This theme from the classic film about wildlife conservationist George Adamson and Elsa the Lioness won numerous awards, including an Oscar® for Best Original Song. Bruce Chase's lush arrangement is perfectly written for young string orchestras, and tells an important and very contemporary story

This romantic-style original piece is great for working on dynamics and running passages. Keep it moving, just like a lazy brook!

Instrumentation: Score; Violin 1; Violin 2; Violin 3 (Viola TC); Viola; Cello; String Bass; Percussion; Piano. Using only a few notes, Duke Ellington managed to create a jazz standard that is instantly recognizable. With the blues form and easy melody, this is a great chance to introduce your young players to the world of jazz and improvisation

Henry Mancini's lovely carol is yet another memorable melody from his rich library of film music. The song was featured in the 1964 Joseph Mankiewicz film of the same name, a re-telling of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. This simple, elegant song is sure to please audiences and your players with this well- rafted arrangement for string ensemble.

Instrumentation: Full Score; Violin 1; Violin 2; Violin 3/Viola TC; Viola; Cello; Bass; Piano; Percussion (Drum Set) The rock classic from the J. Geils Band that's been covered by many indie and metal bands also makes a fun program piece for strings. The easy riffs in a steady rock groove make this something your students will want to play again and again

Instrumentation: Full Score; Violin 1; Violin 2; Violin 3/Viola TC; Viola; Cello; Bass; Piano; Percussion 1; Percussion2. The distinctive music of China and its rich history in the arts give this medley a special appeal to student performers. James' excellent blend of three traditional folk melodies is ideal teaching and program material for string ensembles everywhere. Includes: Dayung Sampan, Shalihonba and Yangtze Boatmen's Chantey.

Mazel tov has become a familiar term used for celebrations and well wishing, making a perfect combination with this popular folk tune, Chosen Kallah, often heard at weddings and other special occasions. In this arrangement, all instruments get the melody. The accompaniment is full of rhythmic interest, providing great training for students in offbeats and syncopation. The final accelerando will bring the audience to their feet!

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!

Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Percussion; Piano. The tender ballad from A Charlie Brown Christmas is a perfect jazz-flavored choice for younger orchestras. Well-crafted moving lines within the the skilled ensemble writing assure success.

Get the whole room clapping! This fun piece is has a blues feel and the director could turn this into an impromptu lesson on dynamics, the blues, or the different sounds of the strings: pizzicato, arco, and tremolo.

Truly a beautiful and majestic work! This is a great piece for teaching slurs, bow distribution, bowing variation, using 4th finger on violin and viola, hemiola, dynamic contrasts, ritardando, and legato style. All parts have interesting melodic material and are playable in first position with some shifting for basses.

This majestic march serves perfectly as a graduation processional march, a concert gala, a homecoming coronation, or any tribute for a noble occasion. The march presents a variety of flavours. Note particularly the sophisticated treatment in the extended centre section. The director can cut and paste as time dictates but is encouraged to play the piece in its full form for best effect.

The perfect opportunity for string students to experience the wonder of this timeless tale! The suite is a setting of many old English Christmas carols in six movements---each can stand alone for holiday concert programming, or when played together, provide a complete accompaniment to an optional narration of Dickens' text. Optional percussion parts lend color to the drama. Completely accessible for intermediate orchestras, but fully satisfying for advanced groups, this suite promises to become a holiday concert tradition for any orchestra program.

This one is the real thing! These two Irish reels, The Boys of Malin and The Gravel Walks from County Donegal, are brisk and straight-ahead. All the players get fantastic parts, from the basses imitating the Irish hand drum, to cello and viola features in the first tune, to the violins playing in unison or octaves, racing to the end. This arrangement also offers the option of playing the tunes separately It’s the perfect opener or encore!

As the title suggests, this piece offers an opportunity for players to create a rich and elegant sound by using long, full bows with slurred note passages. Written in 3/4 time using the keys of C and D, there is a short solo section to allow your 1st chair players to shine. All parts stay in 1st position except the 1st violins who have a few notes in 3rd position. There are some accidentals, pizzicato and divisi throughout, and all parts share the melodic lines. A beautiful piece for developing expressive playing in your group!

Robert's fanfare-like overture is written in a style that students will love to learn and perform - a bold, rhythmic style that will allow them to sound confident and impressive. Well-marked, sensible articulation and dynamics also make it a very musical movement that could open most any concert performance.

This arrangement brings to mind the poignant scene of a friend’s sacrifice for his friends and the love between friends, a recurring theme in the magnificent Harry Potter saga. Set perfectly for young strings.

Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Piano (opt.). This instrumental waltz from the turn of the century continues to be a popular melody and has been heard in countless films, TV shows, and popular recordings. Robert Longfield's accessible new version gives your string orchestra a great opportunity to perform an instantly recognized song in a traditional waltz style.

Have a jolly, jingly holiday, but bring out the blue jeans and red bandanas for a country Christmas! Jolly Old St. Nicholas and Jingle Bells shine in this fun, foot-stompin' piece.

Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Percussion; Piano. This hit recorded by Katy Perry is arranged here in a very effective setting for young strings by Robert Longfield. The piece builds intensity throughout to the familiar anthem-like chorus played by the entire ensemble. Sure to be an audience pleaser.

Unison sections, contrary motion, and a strong rhythmic drive combine to make this exciting piece a sure winner. Provides plenty of opportunities for skill building and aural training.

Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Percussion; Piano. Finding interesting and fresh material for holiday concerts is always a goal for many directors. Robert's appealing version of this old English carol is set in the keys of D and G, and features a contrasting middle section that combines unison playing with solid ensemble writing.

This humorous folk song arrangement should be performed at a brisk tempo. The counterpoint makes it great fun to toss the theme around the sections!

This popular folk song from the Hebei Province, a unique geographical area surrounding the capital city of Beijing, is a great favorite there because of its memorable melody. In his score notes Mr. Wang explains that Chinese duets resemble a question-and-answer conversation between voices, which aptly describes the form and character of this setting for student strings. Duration 3:10. Key: F. Standard Strings (88555) w/opt 3rd Violin/Viola TC (3)

Flavoured with melodic quotes from other familiar tunes to add to the fun and lighthearted character of Grandma. The quotes offer an opportunity to introduce new rhythms from familiar tunes.

Recorded by such diverse artists as Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi and Justin Timberlake, Hallelujah was also heard in the movie Shrek and most recently during the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Vancouver. Robert's setting is just right for string groups who want to perform popular songs from artists they love

This charming piece from the Album for the Young (a set of beginner pieces written by Schumann for his three daughters) is perfect for teaching/reinforcing dotted quarter-eighth note patterns. Its cheery, appealing style will delight any audience. Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Piano.

Who said guitar players get to have all the fun? This piece lets your orchestra be as bad as they wanna be. With its powerful unisons, pulsating rhythms, and accented syncopations, this is a great introduction to playing contemporary music styles. Who rocks? iRock!

Sure to bring a welcome breath of fresh air to any grade 2 concert program, this creative Caribbean-style original features harmonically rich passages and light pizzicato sections that'll make audiences feel like they're on vacation! Duration 2:30

Instrumentation: Full Score; Violin 1; Violin 2; Violin 3/Viola TC; Viola: Cello; Bass/Electric Bass (opt.); Piano (for rehearsal only); Percussion 1 (Drum Set); Perucssion 2 (Cowbell, Tambourine). Here's that famous song with the “na na na na na” hook and lyrics that name 16 different dances. It's been recorded by countless artists from Wilson Pickett to Joan Baez, and is great fun in this new instrumental version for strings. Robert Longfield's solid version is easy to learn and will sound terrific with younger players.

Instrumentation: Full Score; Violin 1; Violin 2; Violin 3/Viola TC; Viola; Cello; Bass; Piano (opt.); Percussion 1 (opt.) (Drum Set); Percussion 2 (opt.) (Small egg shaker). The music of Vince Guaraldi became almost as much a part of the “Peanuts”® television specials as the characters themselves, and is now available in this very playable new version for young strings.

With a very catchy melody and repetitive rhythms that make it easy to rehearse, this is one of those current pieces which students can relate to that still allows for teaching musicality.

Recorded by the Beach Boys, this enjoyable swing tune certainly has that “surfer” sound and will add a nice touch for the Christmas season. Larry Moore's arrangement is nicely scored with the melody traded between sections

This impressive teaching piece features a mixture of the melodic and harmonic minor forms, and a shifting of accents brought about by changing meters. Your students will love learning the aggressive, bold style that comes with the changing rhythms.

Instrumentation: Score; Violin 1; Violin 2; Violin 3 (Viola TC); Viola; Cello; Bass; Percussion; Timpani; Piano; Opt. SATB Chorus (40 parts included). This powerful anthem was heard in the film We Were Soldiers, and was part of the worldwide broadcast of President Reagan's funeral. James Kazik's skilled arrangement can also be performed with chorus.

In this adaptation, the wonderful ballet music of Leo Delibes comes alive at the perfect level for young players. Originally presented as the opening of Act II of his Sylvia, ou La nymphe de Diane, it is both delicate and deliberate, with an almost toy soldier style.

Though originally written for full orchestra, with a majestic processional opening and a sentimental and beautiful slower middle section, this arrangement lies so well for strings it makes it sound like this was Glazunov's intention all along.

Based on a French dance tune from the 17th century, this English carol contains a contagious theme set in a rhythmic, toe-tapping arrangement. A chime and orchestral bell part are featured that could be played on piano if desired, and will add a wonderful colour to this rousing, but sadly neglected Christmas gem.

This famous melody from the opera Thaïs has been performed by countless violinists, including Itzhak Perlman and Josh Bell. Now you can feature a young soloist in the opening section of this new edition for string orchestra by Lauren Keiser.

from Symphony Concertante. Mozart's exquisite writing is evident in every measure of this minuet. This easy level arrangement will give your students a perfect introduction to playing in a leggiero (light) classical style. American Grade 2

As the title suggests, this fun piece adds a Latin flavour to a holiday favourite. The middle section even recalls the folk tune La Bamba. We Wish You a Merry Christmas appears in all instrument groups, and a variety of rhythm patterns provide interest to the accompaniment figures in this unique arrangement.

This holiday ballad from the Carpenters is perfect for developing string ensembles, with an easy moving pop style and approachable melody, all in a well-crafted version by Larry Moore

In the key of a natural minor, with brief forays into the melodic minor, this piece features an especially strong part for the viola section—an often overlooked group—and some third position in the cello and bass parts. Your students will enjoy the simple melodies in this fun and rhythmic piece! Each section has its moment to shine while rhythmic backgrounds set the scene

The Morris dance has been performed throughout the English countryside since the time of William Shakespeare. Grainger was so taken by the form that he wrote his own melodies for the dance to great success! This sparkling arrangement offers young players the joy of this dance described as always merry and bright. Guaranteed to get the toes tapping in your audience.

Let your string bass section swing in this easy-to-play blues piece as they build skills and enjoy the motivation of being in the spotlight. Basses carry the melody much of the time, while also accompanying the melody as it weaves through other sections. All parts stay in first position, while the bass shifts briefly to third position. Educational objectives include playing accidentals, contrasting between staccato and legato, and learning to play in a swing style.

Here is the haunting main theme from the blockbuster movie New Moon, the second installment of the Twilight saga. This sensitively scored arrangement builds to a dramatic full ensemble climax before returning to a quiet finish

Dvorák was extremely interested in Native American and African American melody, and his Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) included influences of both. This easy arrangement wonderfully includes the two best-known melodies from his famous symphony. Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Piano. A great introduction to classic repertoire for your students

Three of the most memorable operatic vocal arias are presented here for young strings. The arias are set in comfortable keys and remain in first position. Your audiences will appreciate hearing these familiar tunes from the world of Italian Grand Opera, which are performable as separate movements or as a small suite. Features La Donna Mobile from Rigoletto, Quando me'n vo (Musetta’s Waltz) from La Boheme, and Libiamo ne'lieti calici from La Traviata. Students will be additionally challenged as they work to follow the conductor’s rubato interpretations that characterize the style of Musetta’s Waltz, and strive to create a wide range of dynamics that are required for the dance-like rollicking flow of the other two waltzes.

As soon as your young string players have learned their “low 2” finger patterns, they are ready for this catchy teaching tune. Written in the attention-grabbing key of A minor, this mystical piece reinforces the “neighbourly” half-step relationship between E-F on the D string and B-C on the A string. Every section gets the melody, a winner with the kids, and you’ll like how each section learns to play their half steps more in tune.

Highlights from Tchaikovsky’s immortal holiday classic are presented in a tightly woven medley with younger players in mind. Full of the colour and pageantry presented in the ballet itself, five popular movements brilliantly set the stage, including: Overture (M. 2), Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (M. 16), Russian Dance: Trepak (M. 30), Dance of the Reed Flutes (M. 42), and Waltz of the Flowers (M. 59). Here’s a tour de force that your students will really enjoy working on, and a guaranteed audience pleaser for your December concerts.

John Moss' gentle setting (based on melodic sections of “Silent Night”) is the hallmark of this fresh new piece for holiday programming. As expected, John's scoring for younger players makes his writing appealing to directors everywhere.

Hold the violins and violas like ukuleles and have a blast with the Hawaiian-style version of this classic tune. Perfectly playable so you can just have fun with the pizzicato, but still work on rhythm and staying in the groove. Every section plays the melody and it sounds fantastic on bass!

Students will enjoy the musical conversations that take place when they perform this trio sonata from the 17th century. The stately Preludio in C major is accompanied by a soaring bass line that is an excellent introduction to the art of Baroque continuo playing. Following the Allegro, the first theme returns to close out this classy, elegant piece of music. All parts remain in 1st position.

The majestic chorus “See, the Conquering Hero Comes” from Judas Maccabaeus is presented here in a version for easy level string orchestra. Present a lesson on Baroque oratorio; or collaborate with the history teacher to create a unit on ancient Jewish history. Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Piano.

In a moderate tempo, this learning piece is perfect for introducing common rhythms in 3/4 meter.

Op.10, No.3. This new arrangement of a Chopin classic is ideal for string teaching and performance. Robert Longfield's setting is carefully crafted for younger players and gives a wonderful opportunity to teach expressive style and nuance

A famous theme from Mozart's horn concerto is adapted for strings with this new teaching and performance edition from Lauren Keiser. Treat your students to the genius of Mozart with this beautifully rendered orchestration for string ensemble.

An elegant dance in 3/4 time, this Beethoven minuet is a great vehicle for teaching about rondo form. The episodes between the refrains are short – just four measures in most cases – so students hear the recognizable melody more often and understand the concept quicker. Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Piano.

Enjoy this lovely transcription from the time of the late Renaissance and early Baroque eras.

From Schubert's familiar Deutsche Messe, this song has been adapted for beginning string players in a solid ensemble setting

Swan Lake, possibly the most-often performed ballet worldwide, tells the story of Odette, a princess who is cursed by an evil sorcerer to live as a swan by day and a woman by night. Scene and Dance is based on the famous “Swan Theme” from the end of Act I. Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Piano. Tchaikvsky's classic ballet scene - beautiful, yet tragic.

Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Piano; Percussion 1 (Triangle, Sus. Cym., Mark Tree); Percussion 2 (Xylophone). Composer Keith Christopher has penned an ideal teaching piece in D major that's also a delightful performance work. Centered around scale-based melodies and diatonic harmony, it also features tasteful pizzicato sections.

Written as a modern take on Antonio Vivaldi’s Baroque style for beginner to intermediate players, this piece is a showcase for soloists in each section. Young musicians can take turns trading solos, and each solo section can even be broken up for multiple players. There are three key changes, all while using only the first finger pattern, though the basses require some simple shifting. A great way to showcase individual achievement while letting your whole ensemble shine! Optional Violin III and Cello II parts are included.

The playful side of Mozart shines through brilliantly in this holiday concert favourite that is now available in a well-crafted and accessible arrangement for less experienced string students. Based on the Coda movement of the dance, players will be surprised at how quickly they are able to put this work together Solidly voiced chords and logical voice leading help to ensure a confident performance.

Three festive carols are skillfully combined into a terrific showcase for Christmas programming. The familiar strains of these “bell” songs will make a superb concert opening for your Christmas needs. Includes: Westminster Chimes, The Merry Bells All Ring, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day and Ukrainian Bell Carol.

Lovely and very playable! During the christmas song, “We Three Kings,” the lyrics read, “Star of wonder, Star of night, Star with royal beauty bright.” These lyrics reveal a special meaning in this wonderful, unforgettable song of the travels of three kings to view and honour the newborn son.

You and your students will love this contemporary, hip-sounding, original gem which is sure to be a hit! From the first time they hear the infectious modal melodies, your orchestra will be hooked. The imaginative orchestration gives every section a chance in the spotlight, and the ever-changing time signatures are sure to get everyone counting like never before! The teaching opportunities abound as your students explore low finger patterns (B-flat and F natural), dynamic contrast, accents, syncopation, balance, and rhythmic independence. Wow!

A timeless song from the Oscar®-winning film Romeo and Juliet (and also recorded by the legendary Henry Mancini), A Time for Us adapts beautifully for string orchestra. A classic song for your performance library.

This is a charming medley of two European carols in 3/4 time and scored here in the key of G major -- The Infant King from Poland and Bring A Torch Jeannette, Isabella from France. Everyone gets a chance at the melody as these tunes are presented separately and then in combination. Duration 2:35. Grade: 2

Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Percussion1; Percussion 2; Piano. Three beloved songs from the long history of European holiday celebrations have been skillfully woven together in this effective montage for strings. An ideal program number for holiday programs for years to come. Includes: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen; Oh How Joyfully; Angels We Have Heard on High.

Telemann’s Bourrée fits perfectly with Rameau’s Rondino to form a lovely medley. Each movement can also stand on its own. Plenty of teaching opportunities for your beginning orchestra.

This accessible arrangement of the 1st Movement from Vivaldi’s Mandolin Concerto is very idiomatic and will make grade 2 groups sound sophisticated and authentic. Optional piano and 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. parts are included. Duration 2:20

Taken from the second movement of the Serenade (and similar to the minuets of his idol, Mozart), Tchaikovsky's “Valse” also resembles many of his own ballet movements. Lauren Keiser's skilled adaptation is designed for teaching this important style and genre to young players

In 1985, an unprecedented collaboration of recording artists created this benefit project for African famine relief. Now 25 years later, the recording industry has stepped up again with a remake of this powerful anthem to aid the relief efforts for Haiti. Here is an ideal new version for strings that makes an inspirational piece for school orchestras.

Instrumentation: Score; 8 Violin 1; 8 Violin 2; 4 Violin 3/Viola TC; 4 Viola; 4 Cello; 4 Bass; Percussion; Piano. Written by classic team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin, The Shirelles went straight to the top of the charts with this 1961 hit. and your string group will sound terrific with this nostalgic pop ballad.

Probably the most memorable Beatles ballad, Yesterday remains one of the most iconic songs of our time. This new version for easy strings is sure to be a favoUrite with your students and features melody sections for all players.

Named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 500 greatest songs of all-time, this classic from the late-60s has been covered by major artists through the decades, including a recent performance by the cast of Glee. The melody shifts from instrument to instrument, with the optional piano and drumset parts providing an extra bit of colour and texture. A great audience pleaser!