As heard in the Disney classic Fantasia where it served as accompaniment for ostriches hippos elephants and alligators Dance of the Hours continues as a staple of the light classical repertoire taken from both opera and ballet. Now available inthis superb accessible version from string orchestra by Robert Longfield.

Another welcome addition to the string orchestra repertoire is this skilled setting taken from Bach's popular collection of preludes and fugues for organ. Arranger John Leavitt provides an outstanding work for school orchestras both as a teaching and performance piece and giving your students a superb musical experience with one of Bach's contrapuntal masterpieces.

This Simple Symphony is entirely based on material from works which the composer wrote between the ages of nine and twelve. (The actual sources are given in footnotes to each movement.) Although the development of thesethemes is in many places quite new there are large stretches of the work which are taken bodily from the early pieces - save for the re-scoring for strings. It is suitable for string quartets or string orchestras beingscored for Violin I Violin II Viola Cello and Double Bass.

This Simple Symphony is entirely based on material from works which the composer wrote between the ages of nine and twelve. (The actual sources are given in footnotes to each movement.) Although the development of these themes is in many places quite new, there are large stretches of the work which are taken bodily from the early pieces - save for the re-scoring for strings. It is suitable for string quartets or string orchestras, being scored for Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello and Double Bass.

Taken from early classical guitar music Allegretto is a sort of period minuet and clearly demonstrates the Italian style that parallels the work of Beethoven. Lloyd Conley brings us this well-crafted version an ideal teaching piece for beginning string orchestras.

Take a trip to the Emerald Isle in this very accessible medley featuring 'Danny Boy' and 'Irish Washerwoman.' Beginning with the much-loved ballad and concluding with the high-spirited jig, this piece makes a great concert closer. / Orchestre A Cordes

This ancient Irish tune, still popular and perfectly arranged for maximum effect, will take the audience back to the old country. Just add some history of the U.K. for a cross-curricular unit. (3:05) / Orchestre A Cordes

A new take on a well-known melody that charges into the traditional tune with a clever rhythmic transition, this captivating and creative arrangement will be fun to play. Includes 3 violin parts. (4:30) / Orchestre A Cordes

Taken from what is considered by many to be the most famous symphony in the world this excerpt will provide your students with an opportunity to play another spectacular movement from the pen of the master himself! Dur: 4:00

This well-known Welsh folk tune is carefully arranged to serve as both a teaching tool and a performance piece. John Moss' treatment is designed to give interesting and musically important parts for all players with this simple song taken through several variations.

Once again James Curnow provides another of his skilled medleys of traditional folk melodies this time taken from the rich musical history and culture of Japan. This terrific multi-cultural performance and teaching pieceincludes: Sakura (CherryBlossoms) Hotaru Koi (Come Firefly) and Mizuguruma (The Water Wheel).

The magnificent interweaving of harmonies and dialogue-like Voices in Handel’s For Unto Us A Child Is Born make it a perfect addition to the festive choral repertoire. German-born British Baroque composer George Frideric Handel originally composed this piece in 1741 for the English-language oratorio Messiah which eventually became one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music. As the last song of Scene 3 of Part I of the oratorio which addresses Isaiah's specific prophecy about the virgin birth of a Messiah For Unto Us A Child Is Born tells the news of Christmas thebirth of a son in Isaiah’s words as found in the Scripture (Isaiah 9:6). The delicate familiar theme is introduced by the Sopranos and taken up by their counter-voices the Tenors later the same dialog is given over to the Altos and Basses. The tutti culminates in 'Wonderful' 'Counselor' 'The Mighty God' 'The Everlasting Father' and 'The Prince of Peace'.

Taken from the second movement of the Serenade (and similar to the minuets of his idol Mozart) Tchaikovsky's Valse also resembles many of his own ballet movements. Lauren Keiser's skilled adaptation is designed for teaching thisimportant style and genre to young players.

Taken from the third movement of Mahler's most performed symphony Solemn Processional is based on his song Heavenly Life. This glorious hymn-like processional highlights sustained ensemble playing and features pizzicato bass throughout.

Stephen Sondheim's most recognized song was written for the stage (A Little Night Music) but became an American standard when it was recorded by legendary singers Judy Collins Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra. Itsdramatic and lyric atmosphere is taken to new heights with Bob Krogstad's exquisite treatment for strings ? a stunning version for the concert stage. (Advanced level)