SKU: CF.FAS26

ISBN 9780825854811. UPC: 798408054816. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D major.

Arches is a piece for the developing string orchestra that derives its title from the national park in Utah. I visited the Arches National Monument in June of 2003 during a cross-country trip. The Delicate Arch is the recognizable landmark from this beautiful national park. In order to see this remarkable natural formation up close, you have to hike a trail of over two miles. The music in this piece is inspired by my journey to see the arch. Once there, you are treated to a vast panoramic view of the golden Utah landscape that leaves one breathless. Arches is an effective piece in teaching pizzicato playing as a melodic device. Most often, pizzicato is used as an effect or punctuation mark to larger melodic ideas. There is a brief arco section to provide contrast and build up to the dramatic return of the main pizzicato melody. Each section in the ensemble has a statement of the melody. It is important to think linearly in addition to vertically when playing these pizzicato lines. Forward motion is of up-most importance in terms of making musical phrases out of these pizzicato lines.
Arches is a piece for the developing string orchestra that derives its title from the national park in Utah. I visited the Arches National Monument in June of 2003 during a cross-country trip. The Delicate Arch is the recognizable landmark from this beautiful national park. In order to see this remarkable natural formation up close, you have to hike a trail of over two miles. The music in this piece is inspired by my journey to see the arch. Once there, you are treated to a vast panoramic view of the golden Utah landscape that leaves one breathless. Arches is an effective piece in teachingA pizzicato playing as a melodic device. Most often,A pizzicato is used as an effect or punctuation mark to larger melodic ideas. There is a brief arco section to provide contrast and build up to the dramatic return of the mainA pizzicato melody. Each section in the ensemble has a statement of the melody. It is important to think linearly in addition to vertically when playing theseA pizzicato lines. Forward motion is of up-most importance in terms of making musical phrases out of theseA pizzicatoA lines.
Arches is a piece for the developing string orchestra that derives its title from the national park in Utah. I visited the Arches National Monument in June of 2003 during a cross-country trip. The Delicate Arch is the recognizable landmark from this beautiful national park. In order to see this remarkable natural formation up close, you have to hike a trail of over two miles. The music in this piece is inspired by my journey to see the arch. Once there, you are treated to a vast panoramic view of the golden Utah landscape that leaves one breathless. Arches is an effective piece in teachingA pizzicato playing as a melodic device. Most often,A pizzicato is used as an effect or punctuation mark to larger melodic ideas. There is a brief arco section to provide contrast and build up to the dramatic return of the mainA pizzicato melody. Each section in the ensemble has a statement of the melody. It is important to think linearly in addition to vertically when playing theseA pizzicato lines. Forward motion is of up-most importance in terms of making musical phrases out of theseA pizzicatoA lines.
Arches is a piece for the developing string orchestra that derives its title from the national park in Utah. I visited the Arches National Monument in June of 2003 during a cross-country trip. The Delicate Arch is the recognizable landmark from this beautiful national park. In order to see this remarkable natural formation up close, you have to hike a trail of over two miles. The music in this piece is inspired by my journey to see the arch. Once there, you are treated to a vast panoramic view of the golden Utah landscape that leaves one breathless. Arches is an effective piece in teaching pizzicato playing as a melodic device. Most often, pizzicato is used as an effect or punctuation mark to larger melodic ideas. There is a brief arco section to provide contrast and build up to the dramatic return of the main pizzicato melody. Each section in the ensemble has a statement of the melody. It is important to think linearly in addition to vertically when playing these pizzicato lines. Forward motion is of up-most importance in terms of making musical phrases out of these pizzicato lines.
Arches is a piece for the developing string orchestra that derives its title from the national park in Utah. I visited the Arches National Monument in June of 2003 during a cross-country trip. The Delicate Arch is the recognizable landmark from this beautiful national park. In order to see this remarkable natural formation up close, you have to hike a trail of over two miles. The music in this piece is inspired by my journey to see the arch. Once there, you are treated to a vast panoramic view of the golden Utah landscape that leaves one breathless. Arches is an effective piece in teaching pizzicato playing as a melodic device. Most often, pizzicato is used as an effect or punctuation mark to larger melodic ideas. There is a brief arco section to provide contrast and build up to the dramatic return of the main pizzicato melody. Each section in the ensemble has a statement of the melody. It is important to think linearly in addition to vertically when playing these pizzicato lines. Forward motion is of up-most importance in terms of making musical phrases out of these pizzicato lines.
Arches is a piece for the developing string orchestra that derives its title from the national park in Utah. I visited the Arches National Monument in June of 2003 during a cross-country trip. The Delicate Arch is the recognizable landmark from this beautiful national park. In order to see this remarkable natural formation up close, you have to hike a trail of over two miles. The music in this piece is inspired by my journey to see the arch. Once there, you are treated to a vast panoramic view of the golden Utah landscape that leaves one breathless.Arches is an effective piece in teaching pizzicato playing as a melodic device. Most often, pizzicato is used as an effect or punctuation mark to larger melodic ideas. There is a brief arco section to provide contrast and build up to the dramatic return of the main pizzicato melody. Each section in the ensemble has a statement of the melody. It is important to think linearly in addition to vertically when playing these pizzicato lines. Forward motion is of up-most importance in terms of making musical phrases out of these pizzicato lines.

SKU: FJ.ST6449S

English.

Inspired by the composer's hike through Ireland, this music paints the vivid scene of a centuries-old building packed with locals who were clapping, stomping and singing along with a popular traditional band. This energetic original work evokes a sense of what it was like to be at Sheehan's Pub that very evening, and will transport your audience to one of the most inviting countries in the world.

About FJH String Orchestra

More emphasis on bow technique and independence of lines. For the accomplished middle, high school, college, or professional group. Grade 3 and up

SKU: CF.YAS63

ISBN 9780825867019. UPC: 798408067014. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: A major.

This one is pure fun! Fast, furious, tuneful and dance-inducing! A great, lighthearted way to bring variety to a concert program.
Polka dots are silly and fun; and in the opinion of the composer, so are polkas. In this new millennium, where kids’ lives are consumed by computers and the internet, it seemed appropriate to try and merge these ideas together. The fun, dance-like material and the use of extra techniques (such as col legno, pizzicato, strumming) lead the players and listeners into an enjoyable polka fit for the twenty-first century.

About Carl Fischer Young String Orchestra Series

This series of Grade 2/Grade 2.5 pieces is designed for second and third year ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
--Occasionally extending to third position
--Keys carefully considered for appropriate difficulty
--Addition of separate 2nd violin and viola parts
--Viola T.C. part included
--Increase in independence of parts over beginning levels

SKU: CF.CAS7

ISBN 9780825847578. UPC: 798408047573. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D major.

When you have the good fortune to visit Red Rock country in the southwestern United States, you will all at once feel that majesty and beauty in the towering red landscape. You can trek, bike, paddle, ride horseback or drive through the canyons, past the strangely shaped rocks and over the enormous boulders. Each time you turn a corner you will be dazzled by yet another magnificent vista. The Red Rock areas in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico formed millions of years ago when that part of North America was primarily under water. The water left behind the shells and skeletons of sea creatures that gradually turned into limestone and similar rocks. Beginning 225 million years ago, the earth's crust began to move and the seabed slowly rose. Streams entering the shallow water deposited mud and sand that turned into shale and marine sandstone. As the land continued to rise and dry out, some of the rocks oxidized (combined with oxygen) and turned red in color. Subsequently the area was covered with sands that eventually compressed into what is called Aztec sandstone. Sometimes, when iron was concentrated in the rock, the sandstone turned a bright red color. Following the introduction, the music in Red Rock Rag takes on a typical ragtime melody and rhythm. It then transitions by changing key, time signature and the structure into a swing waltz. At m. 60, it moves into a combined time signature of one measure of 3/4 time and two measures of 2/4 time with an occasional lick in the bass line. Finally, it moves back into the swing-waltz style and finishes with the original ragtime melody. Red Rock Rag is challenging stylistically and rhythmically. It would be appropriate to study both the ragtime and swing styles while working on it.
When you have the good fortune to visit Red Rock country in the southwestern United States, you will all at once feel that majesty and beauty in the towering red landscape. You can trek, bike, paddle, ride horseback or drive through the canyons, past the strangely shaped rocks and over the enormous boulders. Each time you turn a corner you will be dazzled by yet another magnificent vista. The Red Rock areas in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico formed millions of years ago when that part of North America was primarily under water. The water left behind the shells and skeletons of sea creatures that gradually turned into limestone and similar rocks. Beginning 225 million years ago, the earth's crust began to move and the seabed slowly rose. Streams entering the shallow water deposited mud and sand that turned into shale and marine sandstone. As the land continued to rise and dry out, some of the rocks oxidized (combined with oxygen) and turned red in color. Subsequently the area was covered with sands that eventually compressed into what is called Aztec sandstone. Sometimes, when iron was concentrated in the rock, the sandstone turned a bright red color. Following the introduction, the music in Red Rock Rag takes on a typical ragtime melody and rhythm. It then transitions by changing key, time signature and the structure into a swing waltz. At m. 60, it moves into a combined time signature of one measure of 3/4 time and two measures of 2/4 time with an occasional lick in the bass line. Finally, it moves back into the swing-waltz style and finishes with the original ragtime melody.A Red Rock RagA is challenging stylistically and rhythmically. It would be appropriate to study both the ragtime and swing styles while working on it.
When you have the good fortune to visit Red Rock country in the southwestern United States, you will all at once feel that majesty and beauty in the towering red landscape. You can trek, bike, paddle, ride horseback or drive through the canyons, past the strangely shaped rocks and over the enormous boulders. Each time you turn a corner you will be dazzled by yet another magnificent vista. The Red Rock areas in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico formed millions of years ago when that part of North America was primarily under water. The water left behind the shells and skeletons of sea creatures that gradually turned into limestone and similar rocks. Beginning 225 million years ago, the earth's crust began to move and the seabed slowly rose. Streams entering the shallow water deposited mud and sand that turned into shale and marine sandstone. As the land continued to rise and dry out, some of the rocks oxidized (combined with oxygen) and turned red in color. Subsequently the area was covered with sands that eventually compressed into what is called Aztec sandstone. Sometimes, when iron was concentrated in the rock, the sandstone turned a bright red color. Following the introduction, the music in Red Rock Rag takes on a typical ragtime melody and rhythm. It then transitions by changing key, time signature and the structure into a swing waltz. At m. 60, it moves into a combined time signature of one measure of 3/4 time and two measures of 2/4 time with an occasional lick in the bass line. Finally, it moves back into the swing-waltz style and finishes with the original ragtime melody.A Red Rock RagA is challenging stylistically and rhythmically. It would be appropriate to study both the ragtime and swing styles while working on it.
When you have the good fortune to visit Red Rock country in the southwestern United States, you will all at once feel that majesty and beauty in the towering red landscape. You can trek, bike, paddle, ride horseback or drive through the canyons, past the strangely shaped rocks and over the enormous boulders. Each time you turn a corner you will be dazzled by yet another magnificent vista. The Red Rock areas in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico formed millions of years ago when that part of North America was primarily under water. The water left behind the shells and skeletons of sea creatures that gradually turned into limestone and similar rocks. Beginning 225 million years ago, the earth's crust began to move and the seabed slowly rose. Streams entering the shallow water deposited mud and sand that turned into shale and marine sandstone. As the land continued to rise and dry out, some of the rocks oxidized (combined with oxygen) and turned red in color. Subsequently the area was covered with sands that eventually compressed into what is called Aztec sandstone. Sometimes, when iron was concentrated in the rock, the sandstone turned a bright red color. Following the introduction, the music in Red Rock Rag takes on a typical ragtime melody and rhythm. It then transitions by changing key, time signature and the structure into a swing waltz. At m. 60, it moves into a combined time signature of one measure of 3/4 time and two measures of 2/4 time with an occasional lick in the bass line. Finally, it moves back into the swing-waltz style and finishes with the original ragtime melody. Red Rock Rag is challenging stylistically and rhythmically. It would be appropriate to study both the ragtime and swing styles while working on it.
When you have the good fortune to visit Red Rock country in the southwestern United States, you will all at once feel that majesty and beauty in the towering red landscape. You can trek, bike, paddle, ride horseback or drive through the canyons, past the strangely shaped rocks and over the enormous boulders. Each time you turn a corner you will be dazzled by yet another magnificent vista. The Red Rock areas in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico formed millions of years ago when that part of North America was primarily under water. The water left behind the shells and skeletons of sea creatures that gradually turned into limestone and similar rocks. Beginning 225 million years ago, the earth's crust began to move and the seabed slowly rose. Streams entering the shallow water deposited mud and sand that turned into shale and marine sandstone. As the land continued to rise and dry out, some of the rocks oxidized (combined with oxygen) and turned red in color. Subsequently the area was covered with sands that eventually compressed into what is called Aztec sandstone. Sometimes, when iron was concentrated in the rock, the sandstone turned a bright red color. Following the introduction, the music in Red Rock Rag takes on a typical ragtime melody and rhythm. It then transitions by changing key, time signature and the structure into a swing waltz. At m. 60, it moves into a combined time signature of one measure of 3/4 time and two measures of 2/4 time with an occasional lick in the bass line. Finally, it moves back into the swing-waltz style and finishes with the original ragtime melody. Red Rock Rag is challenging stylistically and rhythmically. It would be appropriate to study both the ragtime and swing styles while working on it.
When you have the good fortune to visit Red Rock country in the southwestern United States, you will all at once feel that majesty and beauty in the towering red landscape. You can trek, bike, paddle, ride horseback or drive through the canyons, past the strangely shaped rocks and over the enormous boulders. Each time you turn a corner you will be dazzled by yet another magnificent vista.The Red Rock areas in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico formed millions of years ago when that part of North America was primarily under water. The water left behind the shells and skeletons of sea creatures that gradually turned into limestone and similar rocks. Beginning 225 million years ago, the earth's crust began to move and the seabed slowly rose. Streams entering the shallow water deposited mud and sand that turned into shale and marine sandstone. As the land continued to rise and dry out, some of the rocks oxidized (combined with oxygen) and turned red in color. Subsequently the area was covered with sands that eventually compressed into what is called Aztec sandstone. Sometimes, when iron was concentrated in the rock, the sandstone turned a bright red color.Following the introduction, the music in Red Rock Rag takes on a typical ragtime melody and rhythm. It then transitions by changing key, time signature and the structure into a swing waltz. At m. 60, it moves into a combined time signature of one measure of 3/4 time and two measures of 2/4 time with an occasional lick in the bass line. Finally, it moves back into the swing-waltz style and finishes with the original ragtime melody. Red Rock Rag is challenging stylistically and rhythmically. It would be appropriate to study both the ragtime and swing styles while working on it.

SKU: FJ.ST6394

UPC: 241444365014. English.

Drawn from an early collection by William Byrd, the Pavanne (Earl of Salisbury) and La Volta (The Time) have been paired to offer your students a glimpse into striking and alluring Renaissance music of the late 1500's and early 1600's. Both performers and audiences will be drawn to its purity and simplistic beauty.

About FJH String Orchestra

More emphasis on bow technique and independence of lines. For the accomplished middle, high school, college, or professional group. Grade 3 and up

SKU: FJ.ST6394S

English.

Drawn from an early collection by William Byrd, the Pavanne (Earl of Salisbury) and La Volta (The Time) have been paired to offer your students a glimpse into striking and alluring Renaissance music of the late 1500's and early 1600's. Both performers and audiences will be drawn to its purity and simplistic beauty.

About FJH String Orchestra

More emphasis on bow technique and independence of lines. For the accomplished middle, high school, college, or professional group. Grade 3 and up

SKU: CF.YAS10

ISBN 9780825848261. UPC: 798408048266. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D major.

When traveling through the desert southwest of the United States, you may be fortunate enough to come across a strange looking brown and white streaked bird called the Roadrunner. It has a blue patch of skin circling the eyes, a tiny dot of bright red behind the eyes, a bushy crest on the top of its head and a long tail that bobs up and down. A member of the cuckoo family, it is New Mexico's state bird, and can run in bursts of speed from between ten to twenty miles per hour. Because it is equipped to run rather than fly, its feet are different from other bird species, having two toes in front and two toes in the back. Its tracks looks like the letter X. Although roadrunners can become airborne, they are basically ground birds and do not fly. They eat insects, scorpions, small rodents, birds, lizards and snakes. They do make noise when in danger; however, the clicks and clatters do not resemble the sound of a honking horn that we think of from the Hollywood cartoon version of roadrunners. The repeated notes in the opening melody of Roadrunner Rally will remind you of the sight of a roadrunner traveling along at breakneck speed. A crisp spiccato accompanied by pizzicato in the cello and bass paints the picture of the bird running through the desert. At m. 17 you will hear that raucous honk, honk that is associated with the roadrunner saying Out of my way! The syncopation can easily be learned by feel as well as by counting carefully. At m. 25 and similar passages, the first violins will have fun learning the jazz licks. The walking bass like at m.69 with the jerky sound of the octaves in the upper strings will remind you of the awkward appearance of this ungainly bird. And of course, Roadrunner Rally ends with a loudly emphasized honking noise, the beep that we associate with the humorous picture of the roadrunner.
When traveling through the desert southwest of the United States, you may be fortunate enough to come across a strange looking brown and white streaked bird called the Roadrunner. It has a blue patch of skin circling the eyes, a tiny dot of bright red behind the eyes, a bushy crest on the top of its head and a long tail that bobs up and down. A member of the cuckoo family, it is New Mexico's state bird, and can run in bursts of speed from between ten to twenty miles per hour. Because it is equipped to run rather than fly, its feet are different from other bird species, having two toes in front and two toes in the back. Its tracks looks like the letter X. Although roadrunners can become airborne, they are basically ground birds and do not fly. They eat insects, scorpions, small rodents, birds, lizards and snakes. They do make noise when in danger; however, the clicks and clatters do not resemble the sound of a honking horn that we think of from the Hollywood cartoon version of roadrunners. The repeated notes in the opening melody ofA Roadrunner Rally will remind you of the sight of a roadrunner traveling along at breakneck speed. A crisp spiccato accompanied by pizzicato in the cello and bass paints the picture of the bird running through the desert. At m. 17 you will hear that raucous honk, honk that is associated with the roadrunner saying Out of my way! The syncopation can easily be learned by feel as well as by counting carefully. At m. 25 and similar passages, the first violins will have fun learning the jazz licks. The walking bass like at m.69 with the jerky sound of the octaves in the upper strings will remind you of the awkward appearance of this ungainly bird. And of course,A Roadrunner Rally ends with a loudly emphasized honking noise, theA beep that we associate with the humorous picture of the roadrunner.
When traveling through the desert southwest of the United States, you may be fortunate enough to come across a strange looking brown and white streaked bird called the Roadrunner. It has a blue patch of skin circling the eyes, a tiny dot of bright red behind the eyes, a bushy crest on the top of its head and a long tail that bobs up and down. A member of the cuckoo family, it is New Mexico's state bird, and can run in bursts of speed from between ten to twenty miles per hour. Because it is equipped to run rather than fly, its feet are different from other bird species, having two toes in front and two toes in the back. Its tracks looks like the letter X. Although roadrunners can become airborne, they are basically ground birds and do not fly. They eat insects, scorpions, small rodents, birds, lizards and snakes. They do make noise when in danger; however, the clicks and clatters do not resemble the sound of a honking horn that we think of from the Hollywood cartoon version of roadrunners. The repeated notes in the opening melody ofA Roadrunner Rally will remind you of the sight of a roadrunner traveling along at breakneck speed. A crisp spiccato accompanied by pizzicato in the cello and bass paints the picture of the bird running through the desert. At m. 17 you will hear that raucous honk, honk that is associated with the roadrunner saying Out of my way! The syncopation can easily be learned by feel as well as by counting carefully. At m. 25 and similar passages, the first violins will have fun learning the jazz licks. The walking bass like at m.69 with the jerky sound of the octaves in the upper strings will remind you of the awkward appearance of this ungainly bird. And of course,A Roadrunner Rally ends with a loudly emphasized honking noise, theA beep that we associate with the humorous picture of the roadrunner.
When traveling through the desert southwest of the United States, you may be fortunate enough to come across a strange looking brown and white streaked bird called the Roadrunner. It has a blue patch of skin circling the eyes, a tiny dot of bright red behind the eyes, a bushy crest on the top of its head and a long tail that bobs up and down. A member of the cuckoo family, it is New Mexico's state bird, and can run in bursts of speed from between ten to twenty miles per hour. Because it is equipped to run rather than fly, its feet are different from other bird species, having two toes in front and two toes in the back. Its tracks looks like the letter X. Although roadrunners can become airborne, they are basically ground birds and do not fly. They eat insects, scorpions, small rodents, birds, lizards and snakes. They do make noise when in danger; however, the clicks and clatters do not resemble the sound of a honking horn that we think of from the Hollywood cartoon version of roadrunners. The repeated notes in the opening melody of Roadrunner Rally will remind you of the sight of a roadrunner traveling along at breakneck speed. A crisp spiccato accompanied by pizzicato in the cello and bass paints the picture of the bird running through the desert. At m. 17 you will hear that raucous honk, honk that is associated with the roadrunner saying Out of my way! The syncopation can easily be learned by feel as well as by counting carefully. At m. 25 and similar passages, the first violins will have fun learning the jazz licks. The walking bass like at m.69 with the jerky sound of the octaves in the upper strings will remind you of the awkward appearance of this ungainly bird. And of course, Roadrunner Rally ends with a loudly emphasized honking noise, the beep that we associate with the humorous picture of the roadrunner.
When traveling through the desert southwest of the United States, you may be fortunate enough to come across a strange looking brown and white streaked bird called the Roadrunner. It has a blue patch of skin circling the eyes, a tiny dot of bright red behind the eyes, a bushy crest on the top of its head and a long tail that bobs up and down. A member of the cuckoo family, it is New Mexico's state bird, and can run in bursts of speed from between ten to twenty miles per hour. Because it is equipped to run rather than fly, its feet are different from other bird species, having two toes in front and two toes in the back. Its tracks looks like the letter X. Although roadrunners can become airborne, they are basically ground birds and do not fly. They eat insects, scorpions, small rodents, birds, lizards and snakes. They do make noise when in danger; however, the clicks and clatters do not resemble the sound of a honking horn that we think of from the Hollywood cartoon version of roadrunners. The repeated notes in the opening melody of Roadrunner Rally will remind you of the sight of a roadrunner traveling along at breakneck speed. A crisp spiccato accompanied by pizzicato in the cello and bass paints the picture of the bird running through the desert. At m. 17 you will hear that raucous honk, honk that is associated with the roadrunner saying Out of my way! The syncopation can easily be learned by feel as well as by counting carefully. At m. 25 and similar passages, the first violins will have fun learning the jazz licks. The walking bass like at m.69 with the jerky sound of the octaves in the upper strings will remind you of the awkward appearance of this ungainly bird. And of course, Roadrunner Rally ends with a loudly emphasized honking noise, the beep that we associate with the humorous picture of the roadrunner.
When traveling through the desert southwest of the United States, you may be fortunate enough to come across a strange looking brown and white streaked bird called the Roadrunner. It has a blue patch of skin circling the eyes, a tiny dot of bright red behind the eyes, a bushy crest on the top of its head and a long tail that bobs up and down. A member of the cuckoo family, it is New Mexico's state bird, and can run in bursts of speed from between ten to twenty miles per hour. Because it is equipped to run rather than fly, its feet are different from other bird species, having two toes in front and two toes in the back. Its tracks looks like the letter X. Although roadrunners can become airborne, they are basically ground birds and do not fly. They eat insects, scorpions, small rodents, birds, lizards and snakes. They do make noise when in danger; however, the clicks and clatters do not resemble the sound of a honking horn that we think of from the Hollywood cartoon version of roadrunners.The repeated notes in the opening melody of Roadrunner Rally will remind you of the sight of a roadrunner traveling along at breakneck speed. A crisp spiccato accompanied by pizzicato in the cello and bass paints the picture of the bird running through the desert. At m. 17 you will hear that raucous honk, honk that is associated with the roadrunner saying Out of my way! The syncopation can easily be learned by feel as well as by counting carefully. At m. 25 and similar passages, the first violins will have fun learning the jazz licks. The walking bass like at m.69 with the jerky sound of the octaves in the upper strings will remind you of the awkward appearance of this ungainly bird. And of course, Roadrunner Rally ends with a loudly emphasized honking noise, the  beep that we associate with the humorous picture of the roadrunner.

SKU: CF.YAS52

ISBN 9780825863608. UPC: 798408063603. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D major.

This is a striking and original piece that builds interest and momentum using a four note cello and bass ostinato. Arco and pizzicato contrasts of texture and off-beat accents and rhythms sustain interest in this unusual selection, which puts minimal musical resources to maximum use.
A Road Less Traveled is a musical journey based on four notes. The cellos and basses provide these notes in mm. 2 and 3. The piece explores some new compositional techniques for me, and in some sections can be considered minimalist. However, I constructed the piece in a very accessible manner. The individual rhythms create new composite rhythms when played together. It has a unique clockwork quality to it. The music morphs from arco to pizzicato at m. 49. The odd accents bring out some of the quirky quality to the music. A return to arco playing at m. 94 provides a recapitulation of the opening section. Upon return, some of the punchy music now becomes sustained for a dramatic climax. This piece was a real joy to work on, and illustrates “a road less traveled” in my compositional career.

About Carl Fischer Young String Orchestra Series

This series of Grade 2/Grade 2.5 pieces is designed for second and third year ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
--Occasionally extending to third position
--Keys carefully considered for appropriate difficulty
--Addition of separate 2nd violin and viola parts
--Viola T.C. part included
--Increase in independence of parts over beginning levels