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Reflecting the somber mood near the end of Mozart’s life, the themes in this piece move from a soft, delicate statement to a rich, lush orchestral answer, showcasing the full dynamic spectrum of the string orchestra. Though playable by young ensembles, careful attention was paid by the arranger to retain as much original material as possible, creating a stunning addition to the repertoire.

Directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, the recent movie Alice in Wonderland shows a new side to this classic tale. Equally distinctive is Danny Elfman's dark and delightful musical score. This well-paced medley features the recurring melody “Alice's Theme” along with other important themes from the film

This vibrant and full-sounding allegro is definitely one of Handel’s “greatest hits.” It practically sparkles as violins trill in harmony, and vigorous scalewise passages crescendo into exciting new sections! As the final Allegro to one of the most well-known Concerto Grossos, this certainly ranks in the “Best of the Baroque!”

This gorgeous song, a favourite since the 1940s, hit new popularity when performed by Beyoncé for the touching dance of President and Mrs. Obama at the 2009 inaugural ball. Perfectly scored for strings and reat for working on tone and bowing. A hit of the ages with vocalists and instrumentalists alike.

Depicting the sounds of war, this Baroque masterpiece features many special effects including bow tapping, paper under strings, solos for all instruments, and a musical collage that would thrill Charles Ives! A true feast for the ears. This innovative six

Another great pop hit that's just right for strings! Just like Viva la Vida, Coldplay's mega-hit has great appeal to student players with its infectious riffs and energetic drive. Robert's arrangement captures the groove perfectly for string ensembles who want to learn and perform contemporary airplay songs

Opening with a flowing melody appearing in variations throughout the sections, then leading into lyric violin and cello solos and a duet, this piece has something for every player in your orchestra. The conclusion features a driving and energetic violin line while the low strings revisit the opening theme underneath the violin melody.

A less well known masterpiece, sure to become a standard! This challenging but fun piece makes a great introduction to music of the Baroque era with its extensive use of octaves, staccato, and a wide variety of bowing techniques.

From rags to riches, revolutions, glorious victories, the demise of empires, traitors, conspiracies, rebellions, suspicions, abominations, heroes and heroines, the history of Russian tzars is presented in three movements. Play the music that takes you through a journey of the lives of these colourful historic figures as each instrumental part shares the melodic role.

This 1981 power rocker from the group Journey has enjoyed renewed popularity with the phenomenal TV series Glee. This version for strings is a guaranteed showstopper!

From the hit TV shows, Glee and American Idol, Journey’s timeless tune will delight audiences. First debuted in 1981, this classic rock piece has been used in many movies as well. Arranged to convey the authentic sound of rock and roll, every player gets a shot at the melody they know so well and there is really nice third position playing for the first violins. Very cool drumset and piano parts are included.

Rich harmonic textures - lush and restful. Long melodic lines will encourage bowing techniques to bring out the lovely melody and harmony. The writing also features extended contrabass notes for those orchestras having such instruments. There is a very subtle change from D major to B-flat major and back to D major in the middle of the piece, which change also features a cello soli passage.

Loaded with joyful and optimistic character, this original piece presents two contrasting themes. Moving from the initial rhythmic, fiddling style section into the warm lyricism of an old Celtic air and back to the rhythmic theme, all parts are musically engaging and encourage cohesive energy in the ensemble. Featured syncopation, some third position for the 1st violins, and rapid string crossing figures provide just the right amount of challenge. Clever bow technique and fun rolled into one!

The intensity of Radiohead, Britain’s premier “avant-rock” band, is embodied in this haunting arrangement that will inspire young musicians to think outside the box. From an album that is orchestral in scope, but rock by instrumentation, this technically simple yet emotionally sophisticated piece includes extended techniques such as tremolo, double-stop pizzicato, non-vibrato and ponticello; however, the ensemble, together with its conductor, is free to interpret the music as they see fit. After all, there are no rules in rock & roll!

The music of John, Paul, George, and Ringo never grows old! Here is a terrific, playable medley of hits that includes Eight Days a Week, Yesterday and Can't Buy Me Love.

With form and texture that remain very true to the original, the keys of E minor and D Dorian serve to make this arrangement “student friendly.” The first violin solo includes 3rd position while the second solo only requires 1st position. Either solo also

Here’s a lively and fun novelty piece that mixes traditional Hanukkah songs with Bizet’s famous “Habanera” from Carmen! Starting in D minor, the famous Bizet tune and “Hanukkah O Hanukkah” mix in delightful fashion until the key change to D major where a cheerful pizzicato version of “The Dreidel Song” cleverly takes over. It comes to an exciting finish and will be a fun addition to any Christmas concert!

A classic Beatles song comes all ready for your string players to perform confidently with this solid version from Larry Moore. There are melodic opportunities for every section, making this a great showcase to feature anyone

A new cutting-edge TV series based on the classic show once again features the memorable theme that accompanied Steve McGarrett decades ago. You'll want rock drums to help capture the energy and pulse of the original groove

Add emotional resonance to any concert with the gentle, bittersweet melodies and flowing style of this piece. All sections of the orchestra take turns with the lyrical themes and fluid accompaniments, but it's the emotive, yearning tone that will make the piece memorable. Featuring advanced part independence, broad dynamic changes, and an emotive style to introduce and build concepts in musicianship.

Johannes Brahms wrote 21 Hungarian Dances for piano four-hands, each one highly individualistic and featuring a slow and fast section. In this grade 3+ arrangement, D major is used in the slow section and B minor in the fast section. The 1st and 2nd Violi

From the groundbreaking movie blockbuster Avatar, here is the main theme used in the end credits. Robert's skilled writing for school string groups makes an effective, dramatic number for a pops-style programme.

From a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode of the same name, The Inner Light is a melody that is haunting, and yet full of solace. A perfect choice for solo with string orchestra, James Kazik's setting includes solo parts for flute, violin, piccolo, or even the original penny whistle as played by Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart).

Score and Parts. One of the most beloved films of all time has a memorable score from composer Dimitri Tiomkin. Now available in this new edition for strings, James Kazik's flexible format also includes optional SATB chorus (available separately).

SATB Part only. One of the most beloved films of all time has a memorable score from composer Dimitri Tiomkin. Now available in this new edition for strings, James Kazik's flexible format also includes optional SATB chorus (available separately).

The third installment of the megahit Twilight saga has again captured the imagination of millions. The haunting main theme from veteran composer Howard Shore is certain to be a favorite of student players with this approachable arrangement by Robert Longfield

Showcasing the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the hit musical Jersey Boys is a nostalgic look at some of the most popular songs of the 1960s. This well-paced medley includes Big Girls Don't Cry, Rag Doll, Walk Like a Man and Can't Take My Eyes Off of You.

This Irish tour-de-force runs the gamut of emotions. An aggressively rustic opening makes way for a joyful and catchy original jig in the style of Holst's Dargason. A flowing, legato setting of the beautiful olk tune Sheebeg and Sheemore follows, int

Nobody can deny the impact of techno-pop queen Lady Gaga, whose distinct style has made her a pop culture phenomenon. Three of her biggest hits are included here in a unique medley format that also allows each song to be performed separately. Includes: Pokerface, Bad Romance and Just Dance.

The mega-hit from the legendary B-52s has all the elements of a classic rock hit with its infectious groove, great hook, and a memorable lyric that kids all know. Put this on the stand and stand back

The unmatched creativity of Pixar Studios continues with blockbuster films that have become entertainment icons of our time. Each has a memorable musical score, several of which are combined into this terrific showcase for string orchestra. Includes: The Big Race (Cars), Nemo Egg (Finding Nemo), The Spirit of Adventure (Up), The Glory Days (The Incredibiles), Ratatouille (Main Theme), and You've Got a Friend in Me (Toy Story)

This lively march comes to us from one of Holst’s most popular works, the First Suite in E flat for Military Band written in 1909. Two contrasting themes—a crisp, marcato in D and a lyrical, legato theme in G—thrill listeners. The powerful finale of the march, back in D, uses both melodies layered on top of one another. The lyrical section features the cellos and violas and all parts are interesting.

Written in the key of D, this ragtime original should be felt in “2” with a light swing approach to the 8th notes. The chromaticism and syncopated rhythms typical of ragtime music will be challenging and interesting for grade 3 groups. Duration ca. 2:30.

Transport your audience halfway around the world with this poignant, powerful and playful arrangement of traditional Chinese folk melodies. Starting with a plaintive viola solo, then moving through a wide variety of moods, all members of the orchestra will be fully engaged playing music that sounds ancient and fresh at the same time

The heartrending ballad from the 1980 and 2009 film versions of Fame is presented here in a sumptuous arrangement for advanced strings. The melody is shared by Violin 1 and Cello, and enveloped in a tapestry of artful countermelodies and rich harmonies. A stunning and emotional addition to any concert programme.

The centerpiece of Radiohead’s OK Computer album, this work travels through several movements and weaves a sophisticated web of both torment and elation. A challenge for ensembles of all skill levels, this piece employs odd time signatures, col legno, snap pizzicato, and ponticello, in addition to other extended techniques that will provide a look at how the worlds of rock and classical music can collide with motivating results. An epic masterpiece of the rock genre finds a new home in this orchestral setting.

A fresh new treatment of beloved patriotic melodies that is both sophisticated and elegant, yet very playable for young strings. Sure to become a standard in your library, featuring “America,” “America the Beautiful,” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Finally an easy arrangement of this lovely prelude that is attainable for your young students! This piece maintains the spirit and feel of the original, yet shifting is very minimal and most parts remain in first position. This is a great way to introduce one of the standard pieces of string orchestra literature to your students

The Scottish countryside became the inspiration for Mendelssohn's “Symphony No. 3,” also known as the Scottish Symphony. This arrangement of the triumphant coda (Allegro Maestoso Assai) from Movement IV features a majestic melody, rhythmic energy, and a fiery ending. The 6/8 rhythms have been simplified and the key has been changed to make it accessible for young strings.

Isaac Hayes' Oscar®-winning song was a milestone for the film industry, and its '70s R&B groove and riffs have become part of pop music history. Larry Moore's new arrangement really captures the spirit of this memorable film theme.

Arranged in a dramatic style, this piece will give your orchestra a “great American standard” to go along with their classical standards! Sung countless times and featured on stage and screen, we also remember this piece from a music teacher favourite, Mr. Holland’s Opus. Opening with a solo violin over tremolo accompaniment, we hear the often-left-out opening verse. Next, the cello and viola sections soar with the well-known chorus. The music builds until finally the violins play the theme at the end.

Sweeping and heroic melodies soar over galloping accompaniments throughout this piece. It features basic shifting, tempo changes, part independence, and wide dynamic changes, but students will appreciate the bold, epic style and the valiant melodies that

A dramatic and high-energy piece in 6/8 time featuring surging melodies and intense rhythms! Audiences will appreciate the mature style while students explore technical challenges. The key of G minor offers students great experience with mixing low 1st fi

This music is hot, and Vivaldi wanted it that way! You'll feel the heat and experience a gathering summer storm in this work. Performers and audience alike will love the drama and energy in this familiar classic. There are parts for solo violin and cello, and like Vivaldi's original, the music includes his sonnet text written into the parts so students can experience what the master was communicating through the music. A guaranteed winner on your next orchestra concert!

This composition is put together the way one might construct a meal; that is to say, from different sources, but the ingredients are selected to be complimentary. Complimentary movements allow us to explore legato technique, shape, and phrase endings in t

Want your students to fall in love with music? Then this is the piece for you! These two gems of folk dance music have been artfully arranged for intermediate string orchestra. Have a talented violinist in your orchestra that you’d like to showcase? “Misirlou” begins and ends with impressive-sounding solo cadenzas, framing the unforgettable theme. “Dodi Li” is a hauntingly beautiful love song, and in this enchanting arrangement, each instrument gets a chance to play melody and harmony, arco and pizzicato.

A lovely medley! Add a feeling of the era with the harpsichord or organ part that can accompany the strings. As many Baroque composers did, Handel used these melodies in several of his works and here hey are presented at the perfect level for students.

This theme and six variations on the well-known children’s song incorporate many string playing techniques providing great teaching opportunities in a setting sure to be a hit with young and old alike. The six variations, including a waltz and a cha-cha, are uniquely woven to maintain the theme, but impart their own characters and flavours featuring each section of he orchestra at various times. The final variation includes a surprise and will leave audiences wondering if they heard correctly. The piece ends with a rousing restatement of the theme.

This charming quartet piece, now perfect for string orchestra with the addition of a bass part, provides wonderful practice using accidentals. Every section plays a series of C major scales as an accompaniment to the beautiful waltz melody. The middle section in C minor is the perfect contrast to the major feel of the piece. A double duty piece—beautiful and musical, yet also a technical study.

This chart-topping, Grammy-award winning single grew out of an idea to create a benefit for famine relief in Africa. Loved by millions, the piece is a perfect to close a show and leave the audience hushed. Enjoy

You and your students will love putting together these charming variations based on Lewis Carroll's classic book. A simple and graceful theme, entitled Alice, is followed by four colourful variations depicting the delightfully odd characters that inhabi

Xinjiang Folk Song Key: E minor. Duration: 3:40 American Grade 3