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The rich heritage of musical Americana is delightfully presented in three contrasting movements based on traditional folk songs from the Southern Appalachian Mountains. “At the Foot of Yonder Mountain” (G major), a beautiful pentatonic love ballad, is followed by the tender lullaby, “All the Pretty Little Horses” (E minor). A rollicking fiddle tune, “Sourwood Mountain” (G major), brings the work to a rousing close. Folk song tunes are distributed throughout all parts, giving everyone from Violin I down to String Bass a chance to shine on the melody. Duration: 5:30

These popular Bach Minuets are perfect for the development of intonation, rhythm, bowing and dynamics. Some easy contrapuntal textures are an excellent introduction to the Baroque style. Great material for performance and for developing the young string orchestra. Total duration 3:20..

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

Standard Strings with opt. piano. This American grade 1+ piece provides an excellent opportunity to feature low strings, while giving all students a fun part to play. A perfect training piece for F naturals and simple 2-note slurs, this will be a winner with students and audiences alike. An optional piano part is included, as well as 3 copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part in each set. Duration 2:40.

The energy of this piece is inspired by and matches the energy level of beginning players! Imagine the whirling, spinning excitement that occurs among children stuck in the house on a rainy day or celebrating a holiday with family and you have the picture of this piece! Eighth note rhythms occur only on repeated notes, providing motion without difficulty and a technical exercise in playing in a fast but precise manner. Duration: 1:30

Artist Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 1, page 42

This rip-roarin' fiddle tune gives students lots of experience playing easy double stops using one open string and one fingered note. This motivating work provides excellent bow-hand practice, as well as opportunities for working on second-finger alterations in the violins. Your students will want to play this one repeatedly! dURATION: 2:00

This arrangement of famous Handel themes, are grouped together and set in a classic 50’s rock style. This grade 1+ piece is full of basic skills to work on, and is destined to be a hit with groups and their audiences for years to come. An optional piano part is included, as well as 3 copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part in each set. Duration 2:30...

This simple, yet mature-sounding piece is sure to spark your students' imagination, taking them back to the exciting jousting tournaments of medieval times. Driving eighth notes, minor and modal harmonies, and unexpected accents contribute to the excitement and energy. This piece is a great opportunity to improve students' readying on the lower strings. dURATION: 3:00

This stately piece uses open string double stops and pizzicato to achieve its regal sound. The use of low second finger is reinforced for violins and violas. Though suitable for advanced elementary or middle school string players, it is fun for all levels. All parts in this confidence-building selection remain in first position with easy rhythms. The minor melodies and driving rhythms will invigorate your students! Duration: 2:45

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

American Grade 1+ Standard Strings

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.

Built from primitive sounding rhythms and modal harmonies, this intriguing work opens with an ominous introduction that leads into the first statement of the main theme. Educational opportunities abound in this energetic piece, including some easy two-part counterpoint between the 1st violins and 2nd violins/viola. Primitivo, which is correlated to Orchestra Expressions Book 1, or to most first year method books, is certain to capture the imaginations of students and audiences alike! Duration: 2:10

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!

American Grade 1+ Standard Strings with optional piano

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!