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Turn your orchestra into a finger-snapping, clapping, chopping, movin', groovin' party. Written in C, this upbeat musical romp with the blues offers simple melodic parts that have been layered to create a thick, festive texture. In first position, students have an opportunity to master the dotted quarter note, syncopation, and subtle dynamics. Loads of repetition coupled with melodic variations will help build strong, new rhythmic skills. Written solos included and/or an opportunity to jam against a written accompaniment. Drum part included.

Imagine chasing a bug around the room and it constantly eludes you! That’s the energy of this piece written in a folk style using the rhythms of Eastern European circle dances. Each section is featured and the irregular 9/8 time signature and interesting rhythms provide great teaching opportunities.

The War of 1812 in America gave birth to some of the country’s most beloved folk melodies and fiddle tunes. Here’s an original overture where all the sections get a chance to explore those tunes, cleverly combined with famous melodic quotes, in both traditional and contemporary settings. The 8th of January, The Constitution Hornpipe, and The Constitution and Guerriere appear with distinctive old- time, bluegrass, country, and even Latin flavours. Optional opportunities for solo improvisation are also included.

Get your audience tapping their feet! This Cab Calloway-style up-tempo blues piece gives your string players a chance to sink their bows into an authentic jump groove. It is very playable, only straying from first position for solos! The texture allows for rhythmic interplay between sections that is easier to play than it sounds. With a section for solos or soli, including backgrounds in all parts, the students may improvise solos or play the ones that are written. Includes piano and drumset parts.

A cool viola feature! Beginning with a solo introduction invoking a Celtic lament, it morphs into a driving rock pulse of 3+3+2. Unlike most rock tunes, there is no need for drums, guitar, or piano as those roles have been assigned entirely to the strings.

One of the top 25 recorded jazz standards of all time, this classic 1924 Gershwin hit will become a new favourite for the orchestra. This contemporary arrangement respects the swinging tradition of this song as recorded by Eddie South, Stuff Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. Experienced players will love improvising over the piece. Beginners will have success as the chord changes play themselves in the key of G.

Perfect for young players or as a quick play-down finale for older players, this easy medley will soon become a favourite. All sections play the melodies of The Waves of Tory and The Stronsay Wedding, providing interest and a chance to work on dynamics. Performance recommendations to help make the tunes sound fiddley are provided in the score.

This arrangement of the beloved African-American spiritual offers students the opportunity to experience chromaticism within beautiful moving lines and harmonies. A simple hymn-like texture at the beginning gradually leads to an expedition in bi-tonality, giving this arrangement a contemporary but accessible sound.

When students strut these syncopated Brazilian rhythms, audiences smile and bob their heads. Written in the typical Rondo ABACA form, this original choro lets every section play both melody and accompaniment. Carefully placed accents and bowings show students how to play their lines in a convincing Latin style.(Composed the day that Rio de Janeiro was chosen for the 2016 Olympic site.)