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A slightly swung version of Bach's Double Violin Concerto! As played by the Turtle Island String Quartet and now cleverly arranged for school orchestras by Danny Seidenberg, a former member, this piece will open new doors to Bach's music for your students! Encourage the optional improvisation, or use the included written-out solos. Duration: 3:00

“Bossa Verde” is a very pretty bossa nova over familiar chord changes for string ensemble and rhythm section. This piece is accessible for younger players and interesting for the experienced players. Counterpoint is contrasted with ensemble playing and room for improvisation. Beginning improvisers will be successful playing in the key of one sharp and experienced players will enjoy digging into the chord changes. Suggested written out solos are provided in all parts so no improvisation is required.

Open an exciting percussive world for your strings with this rhythm masterpiece from former Turtle Island String Quartet violinist, Darol Anger. Equally fun to play in the groove with or without using the chop technique! Included are extensive instructions and photos that will lead you and your students in developing skills in this new American string technique. Duration: 3:20

The old American fiddle tune Bile Them Cabbage Down has become a standard in string classrooms. Two great fiddle teachers bring their best ideas to life in this rocking arrangement. Including double stops, great rhythms, multiple variations, features for each section, and walking bass lines, Cooking Cabbages has all the elements of great fiddling!

This brilliant, original fiddle tune by the former 1st violinist of the Turtle Island String Quartet, features all the things about fiddling that appeal to youngsters: a bluesy, hip sound, lots of strong rhythms, and musical surprises throughout. A written-out solo fiddle part for your star student is included, which may be doubled or tripled if you have the firepower, or the solo may be improvised. Optional harp or piano parts are also included.

A Celtic rock explosion! The plaintive sounds of Danny Boy, set as a rock ballad, which builds into a frenzy with Swallowtail Jig and Drowsy Maggie. The energy level rises throughout and the rock beat intensifies, making this a great concert closer! The violins and cellos are featured while all sections have cool licks with authentic Irish flavour. Duration 3:30

Sparklingly energetic, this alluring traditional Provencal melody has been arranged so that it is accessible to a wide range of levels. Lieberman, Julie Lyonn, author of seven string books and five videos, has created complexity through simplicity by multi-layering the parts to build suspense. This piece offers some refreshingly different, yet accessible rhythmic phrases in 6/8, and is built on a G minor major scale (G, A, B-flat, C, D, E, F-sharp, G). It will make a unique contribution to your orchestra’s rehearsal and concert repertoire. The first violins have a section in third position while the other sections remain in first position.

As heard on the composer’s recordings, this eerie jazz tune will challenge and thrill the players! Based on a twelve-bar blues progression with a twist, each section takes a solo. Solos are written out or may be improvised. Encourage the players to use special effects, as in another dimension. It’s okay for a variety of sounds to emerge! (3:35)

A sure winner—a “bird-in-hand!” Here’s a terrific medley of three beloved fiddle tunes that beginning string players will have the skills to play, but more advanced students will find delightfully challenging. The contrasting tunes—“Turkey in the Straw,” “Cluck Old Hen” and “Red Wing”—give all sections of the orchestra a chance to play the tunes and clever variations. Easy-but-effective special techniques extend students’ performance abilities and add interest and humour. Certain to delight players and audience alike—two birds with one musical stone!

Classic jazz for the string orchestra! The introduction allows the strings to become a percussion ensemble improvising or playing the notated rhythms and building intensity with separate entrances for each section. Written solos are provided, however, there is room for improvisation using these solos as a point of departure. An ensemble section follows with quotes from other tunes based on this progression before the original melody returns. Duration: 3:35

Explore the exciting world of Arabic music with this medley of songs and dance tunes in the Middle-Eastern style. The violas, cellos and basses transform into a thrilling drum section while the violins trade lyrical melodies. This arrangement, by Arabic violist Leanne Darling, will expose your students to mixed meter, authentic rhythms, scales, and articulation, all while staying comfortably in first position. Duration: 4:10

Klezmer music's driving rhythmic pulse, soulful melodies and non-diatonic scale expressed the 'blues' in Jewish culture. Itzhak Perlman recorded this popular melody as part of his PBS television special Live In the Fiddler's House, Lebedike Honga, meaning 'A Lively Dance,' offers earthly rhythmic grooves. Its infectious spirit will buoy your students, put a smile on the audience's face, and may even inspire a few to dance in the aisles. Duration 2:15

The unique and captivating sounds of three French Canadian fiddle tunes - Gaspe Reel, La Bastringue, and Danse Antique - will have everyone tapping their toes! The driving rhythm of the traditional clogging is represented by interesting tapping of the instruments and optional improvisation. The unique syncopations and the unusual phrasing of the final 'crooked tune' will make this a guaranteed showpiece for the players! Duration: 4:30

Swing it with 'Levitation, an uptempo 12-bar blues shuffle in the key of C. Authentic jazz for the string orchestra, Levitation is arranged with written out solos for each instrument that can be played by one student or an entire section, includes cool swing rhythms, and also features a vamp in the middle for a conversation between two sections of the orchestra. Percussion and piano parts add the finishing touches to the true jazz sound. American Grade 4

Your audience will fall in love with this beautiful waltz arranged for your string orchestra. Perfect for teaching section independence, each part is unique and important, from the violin melody to the rich-sounding sonorities and counter-melodies in the lower strings. Ideal for teaching legato phrasing and dynamic contrast. May be performed with optional harp

Possibly the coolest, most relaxed piece of music by the coolest and most relaxed big band ever! One of the greatest arrangements that Hefti wrote for the legendary Count Basie Big Band in the early 1950s, here’s a real jazz ballad that swings gently! This chart features dense harmonies on a deceptively simple melody, providing a great introduction to jazz harmony for the orchestra. Suggested solos over changes are written out for solo players or sections. Chords are provided over a walking bass line, making it possible to add instruments to the optional rhythm section. A drumset part is included

Mi Negra, a term of endearment meaning ‘my dear.’ is a song for a girl who is a great dancer, so put on your dancing shoes and a big smile because this is a fun tune for all. Violinist, composer and educator Jesús Florido has been working for years to bring Latin music to string players. Derived from the rich tradition of string playing in Latin America “Mi Negra” is a dance groove tune based on the traditions of Florido’s homeland of Venezuela. He has taken on the task of writing these traditions down since they are mostly aural. This original tune was written for his students so that they could learn some Latin fiddle tunes, but also as a tune that professionals can enjoy playing.

A famous, majestic, mid-tempo fiddle tune sure to please any audience! Easy and accessible, this Texas waltz features beautiful Americana harmonies. In D Major, all instruments stay in first position. Since the arranger teaches beginners and performs fiddle-style music regularly as a cellist, she believes that every section should have a turn playing the tune as well as the accompaniment, so there is plenty here for all sections to enjoy!

This piece has has an unforgettable melody, sprightly feel, and marvelous interplay between the parts. “Midnight’s Celtic Run” includes a composed accompaniment for soloing, with sample solos written out for violin, viola, cello and bass. Lieberman, Julie Lyonn has created another winner with this original composition in 4/4 yet 12/8 feel, built on the D mixolydian scale (D, E, F-sharp, G, A, B, C, D), and written in the Celtic style! Optional: first violin part includes segments in first position or third.

Totally cool! Written in a Latin-rock style popularized in the 1948's by Carlos Santana, “Puerto de Libertad” has three sections: a recurring call and response riff, a lyrical melody in four part harmony, and soli sections jamming on a two chord vamp. All solos are written out but feel free to improvise if you like! This piece also gives the percussion section the chance to cut loose on the cowbell, guere, and congas. All parts are in first position and may serve as an introduction to syncopation with easy rhythms.

All acoustic, all electric, or a mixture of string players can play this high-energy rock 'n roll score. Add some special effects, and your orchestra will be catapulted into 21st century contemporary string playing! This piece was designed to help you close the gap between the student's iPod and their instrument. Studies have found that inclusion of rock repertoire has boosted student practice time and participation in orchestra. Duration: 2:20

It seems like everyone enjoys a good polka! Shamrock Polkas is a medley of three traditional Irish dance tunes that will quickly become favorites of students and audience alike. The parts are creatively arranged so the rhythms are easy to read and the notes fall under the fingers, making this piece playable even by an intermediate level string orchestra. Yet the compelling polka melodies will also attract advanced students as they are challenged by optional improvisation opportunities and up-tempo possibilities. This bright arrangement---with melodies shared by all the instruments above a memorable bass line---will complement any concert program. It’s sure to bring the audience to its feet---to applaud and to dance! Duration: 2:10

Straight from the Barrage stage show! Made famous by Benny Goodman, this jazz standard from the era of the Big Bands has long been one of the most popular tunes in the Barrage show. Adapted for string orchestra, this arrangement retains the feel of the show and will sound fantastic! Duration: 4:20

Originally composed for the Turtle Island String Quartet and inspired by the R&B bands of the composer’s hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, this piece will help young players become firmly grounded in the use of the blues scale. Using a basic shuffle rhythm and an unrelenting, rock-steady beat, the string orchestra will get in the groove and strut their stuff---and have fun---with this piece! Duration: 5:45

This classic George Gershwin piece is in a swing setting for string ensemble with rhythm section. There are references to Dizzy Gillespie and James Brown. All players get a chance to play the melody. The main theme follows a bluesy introduction, and then a section that swings in the style of Count Basie leads to solos. Beginning and experienced improvisers will be successful and enjoy playing this piece. Suggested written out solos are provided in all parts so no improvisation is required.

Get ready for foot-stomping fun with this authentic Western swing fiddling arrangement that includes strong bass parts, written out solos and high flying fiddle parts. Drumset and piano parts are provided. American Grade 3

The melody of this classic fiddle tune weaves through each section, modulating from D Minor to A Minor, wrapping up in a true fiddle style. Claimed by the Irish and the Scottish, “Tam Lyn” is one of the many fiddle tunes whose origins are hidden in the mists of time. The legend is that Tam Lyn was a bit of a ladies’ man and the lyrics give fair warning to the lasses.

Feel the relaxed energy of a hot afternoon while the gators bask on the banks of the Tchefuncte River in Louisiana! This swingin’ feel-good jazz shuffle features a catchy melody over a Blues in G with a middle section reminiscent of Count Basie taking it home. Written out solos for violin, viola and cello are included with backgrounds for all sections.(3:50)

This memorable melody has Celtic tinges combined with an old-timey feel, and a sprig of syncopation from the South’s blues fiddle style. Based on the G Dorian minor scale, your students will have a chance to create their own solos or play the easy written solos for all four instruments. A very easy and playable tune with spots of more challenging rhythms.

A haunting melody reminiscent of Native-American flute music floats over long drones before the steady drumbeat introduces an old time fiddle tune to this lively piece. The same beat slips easil into a 6/8 Irish groove and the piece accelerates with written solos in each section. The heritage of northern Wisconsin blends in this very accessible fiddle tune for young orchestrat with optional guitar, drum and piano. Duration 3:50