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American Grade 1+ Standard Strings with opt. piano. Great fun!

Artist Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series Artist Level (1-1.5)

The first theme introduces Papa Bear, grumpy and waking up slowing, followed by lovabel Mama Bear as she stretches herself awake, and finally, boisterous Baby Bear appears ready to play. The bears slowly form into a circle until finally they are ready for their annual spring fling, the Dance of the Brewster Bears.

A Kwanzaa Celebration combines 'African Noel' and 'Kum Ba Yah' with easy-to-play and fun percussion parts that will have your audience tapping their toes. A novel way to introduce multicultural music to your young players. American Grade 1.5

Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series Performer Level (1)

Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) is widely considered one of most important composers of the early 20th century.  His Pavane was written in 1899 and orchestrated in 1910. It was dedicated to the Princesses Edmond de Polignac, formerly Winnaretta Singer, who, interestingly, inherited the fortune that her father had accumulated from his sewing machine business. Pavane was first performed as an orchestral work in London in 1911 and today remains one of Ravel's most popular works.

Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series Expert Level (2)

Join the “Starfleet” as it explores the far reaches of the musical universe! This fun and playable piece is the perfect way to teach your students a wide variety of musical styles. The piece begins with a heroic march melody played over a majestic accompaniment. A marcato, minor-keyed theme from the dark side then appears but is quickly overtaken by an energetic modal fanfare. A lyrical subordinate theme is then passed amongst the different sections, eventually leading back into the opening march. A grand finale closes the work. Sure to motivate your students to practise, this one is a great concert opener or closer!

Most listeners, young and old, are familiar with “There Stands a Little Man in the Woods Alone,” a charming folk song quoted by Engelbert Humperdinck in his opera Hansel and Gretel. The tune is rhythmic, diatonic and unpretentious. This arrangement offers a mix of pizzicato and off the string bowing styles. Much attention is paid to the lower strings. All parts remain in first position and no extended fingerings are required. Some second position fingerings are offered in the bass part to minimize string crossing but these are optional. It is recommended that the piece be performed at a brisk cut time tempo and that all quarter notes be played off the string and at the frog. A third violin part has been included, which is actually treble clef viola. A piano part has also been included, but this should be used only in rehearsal as a support if needed, and not in performance.

This happy “Welcome Song”, from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory™, is a great opportunity to introduce your strings to cut time. The arrangement is perfect to learn in a moderate 4/4 and gradually work up to cut time at a comfortable tempo. In particular the first four measures provide an excellent opportunity to get the feel of the back beat. Lots of fun for players and audience!