SKU: AP.44796

UPC: 038081517254. English.

The perfect technical piece for developing tone, listening skills, string crossings, smooth bow changes, and independence; as well as celebrating beautiful days at a park as melodies and dynamics move up and down between sections, as on a seesaw.

The lines of music that the various instruments have weave up and down across each other as friendships weave throughout our lives. Imagine a leisurely day at the park, perhaps on a seesaw, and ponder this poem by the composer, Steven H. Brook.

While pleasant breezes grace the sky, and clouds of joy drift gently by, our friendship bonds, we learn to play---and now, with you, we share today. (2:00).

SKU: AP.48079

UPC: 038081557106. English.

Filled with enchanting melodies and harmonies, O'Carolan's Draught is a lyrical air by Ireland's beloved Baroque-era composer, Turlough O'Carolan, and arranged by Andrew H. Dabczynski. Truly a crossover piece, it is a tune often played by folk and classical musicians alike. An optional harp/piano part enhances this arrangement and makes it a centerpiece for any program for intermediate or advanced players. Correlated to String Explorer, Book 1, Unit 13. (4:40).

SKU: HL.14019121

ISBN 9781844492954. 9.0x12.0x0.303 inches.

Commissioned by the first Sibelius Conductor's Competition held in Helsinki in May 1995, as an obligatory piece to be rehearsed by all the competitors, Arena was performed in its totality at the annual Avanti! Chamber Orchestra's festival in Porvoo (Finland). Thematic thinking has never been a main feature in Lindberg's music, but here horizontal lines (one would not yet dare to call them melodies) gain some independence, for example in ornamental figures and in the intense cello solo around the middle of the piece. Arena also reveals some clearly new material - Lindberg has talked about Beethoven-like formal thinking, referring to a passage where the sense of movement seems to accelerate to an extreme so that finally one perceives only a motionless surface. Another new element - which was already used to some extent at the warmly hovering ending of Aura - is the almost romantic sound world and the suspension of the harmonies in the final climax, which can make one think of Mahler and Berg, or Lindberg's grand predecessor and compatriot, Sibelius. This is the Score, published by Chester Music; the duration of the pieces is approximately 16 minutes.

SKU: AP.48067S

UPC: 038081556857. English.

Lost Tomb of the Incas by Michael Story will transport your orchestra to the ancient civilization of the Incas. Featuring full-sounding melodies, interesting rhythmic accompaniments, and exciting percussion parts, this piece can be performed by string orchestra alone, or with as many added winds and percussion as possible, up to full orchestra. A perfect piece to open or close any concert or festival! (2:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: HL.14021025

ISBN 9780711986138. 5.5x7.5x0.164 inches.

Miniature Score. This work was commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It was first performed on 13th May 1998 London. This piece is based on a genuine old tune 'Maxwell's Strathspey' which the composer found in an 1824 collection of Scottish melodies, and which unfolds at the start of the piece on solo cello. Variations and a bold up-tempo to the quick dance we know as a reel ultimately yield to the magic that has been promised right at the start: the northern lights take over at the end of the piece. Its inspiration comes from a walk to a community event in Hoy Hall, during which Davies saw the lights in the sky pulsing in and out of time with the sounds coming from the hall. Duration 12 minutes. Conductor's score and orchestral parts are available on hire.

SKU: AP.49063

ISBN 9781470645847. UPC: 038081564241. English.

Take your orchestra on a fantastic journey into the far reaches of outer space with this thrilling overture that is sure to capture the imaginations of all of your young performers. Memorable melodies abound here, and the variety of key signatures, time signatures, and musical styles make this a great teaching piece perfect for contest or festival. The interesting orchestration gives this piece a mature, cinematic sound and allows every section of the string orchestra their chance in the spotlight. Ad Astra is a fantastic work by Richard Meyer! (5:50) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: AP.45888S

UPC: 038081526508. English.

In 3/4, with some pizzicato and a few slurs, the minor melodies and gypsy-like quality make A Gypsy's Life a very appealing selection composed by Susan Day. The perfect piece to introduce B-flat to all sections of the orchestra, program it in conjunction with teaching the F scale. Each section gets the melody, allowing them to easily recognize the B-flats and F-naturals. The viola doubles the 2nd violin. A Gypsy's Life is an excellent and musical teaching piece! (2:10).

SKU: AP.45888

UPC: 038081526492. English.

In 3/4, with some pizzicato and a few slurs, the minor melodies and gypsy-like quality make this a very appealing selection composed by Susan Day. The perfect piece to introduce B-flat to all sections of the orchestra, program it in conjunction with teaching the F scale. Each section gets the melody, allowing them to easily recognize the B-flats and F-naturals. The viola doubles the 2nd violin. A Gypsy's Life is an excellent and musical teaching piece! (2:10).

SKU: AP.48101

ISBN 9781470661441. UPC: 038081553986. English.

With Gratitude by Katie O'Hara LaBrie is a flowing yet spirited composition written in memory of a bright youngster who always sought out the good things in life. Perfect for advancing string orchestras, this piece features soaring melodies, rhythmic independence, and higher positions for violin 1 and cello, all while exploring changing modalities in C major and A major. Students will learn to play expressively as they connect to the story behind the piece using the hashtag #yearofgratitude. (4:30) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: AP.48101S

ISBN 9781470661458. UPC: 038081553993. English.

With Gratitude by Katie O'Hara LaBrie is a flowing yet spirited composition written in memory of a bright youngster who always sought out the good things in life. Perfect for advancing string orchestras, this piece features soaring melodies, rhythmic independence, and higher positions for violin 1 and cello, all while exploring changing modalities in C major and A major. Students will learn to play expressively as they connect to the story behind the piece using the hashtag #yearofgratitude. (4:30) This title available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: AP.49465

ISBN 9781470650209. UPC: 038081570983. English.

Beginning string students will have a diabolically good time with this all-pizzicato selection. Gleefully sinister melodies pass between all sections and simple quarter and half note accompaniment parts help keep everyone together. The optional piano accompaniment sets the pace with even 8th notes, helping young players subdivide their rhythms. Part independence and note range are minimized while doubling and repetition are emphasized, making this an easy piece for kids to master. Midnight Mischief by Doug Spata is a fun piece that kids will love to play while supporting essential ensemble playing and listening skills. (2:05) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: AP.48044

ISBN 9781470658762. UPC: 038081550817. English.

Students will love playing The Ascent by Tanner Otto for its upbeat, driving rhythms and beautiful melodies. This piece begins with a triumphant ostinato pattern that reappears throughout the work. The animated main theme leads to a cold and tense middle section before building back into familiar melody. This piece is perfect for working on the A minor and C major finger pattern and staccato bowing. (2:10) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: AP.49465S

ISBN 9781470650216. UPC: 038081570990. English.

Beginning string students will have a diabolically good time with this all-pizzicato selection. Gleefully sinister melodies pass between all sections and simple quarter and half note accompaniment parts help keep everyone together. The optional piano accompaniment sets the pace with even 8th notes, helping young players subdivide their rhythms. Part independence and note range are minimized while doubling and repetition are emphasized, making this an easy piece for kids to master. Midnight Mischief by Doug Spata is a fun piece that kids will love to play while supporting essential ensemble playing and listening skills. (2:05).

SKU: AP.35900S

UPC: 038081411101. English.

In the key of a natural minor, with brief forays into the melodic minor, this piece features an especially strong part for the viola section---an often overlooked group---and some third position in the cello and bass parts. Your students will enjoy the simple melodies in this fun and rhythmic piece! Each section has its moment to shine while rhythmic backgrounds set the scene.