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

SKU: FJ.ST6503

UPC: 241444414672. English.

Feature every section of your orchestra in this swashbuckling piece! Three distinct pirate themes are given to the violins, violas, and cellos/basses to allow all players a chance to shine. All seafaring melodies stay in first position with minimal low-two finger patterns and lots of doubling for a big, full sound. Each section takes an adventurous turn into new tonalities before joining forces at the end for a triumphant finale!

About FJH Beginning Strings

Appropriate for first year string students. All instruments stay in first position, and optional third violin (viola) parts and piano are included to aid in rehearsal and performance situations. Grade 1 - 1.5

SKU: CF.FAS38

ISBN 9780825861130. UPC: 798408061135. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D major.

One of the most beloved of all Christmas carols is presented in an easy, yet beautiful arrangement by Roy Phillippe. Every sections is given a chance to play the melody in the very playable setting. The optional piano part adds interest and colorful lines to this already very special piece.
I am of the opinion that a piece of music is not judged by how difficult it is to play, but by how good it sounds. While my arrangement of Silent Night is written for beginning string players, I have tried to keep it interesting for all players. It should be played warmly with expression to create a full sound.The piece begins with an introduction based on the three-note Silent Night motive. The main melody is introduced in m. 5 by the first Violins, and is harmonized by the second Violins and Violas. The Cellos reiterate the motive in mm. 6,8,10 and 11. Beginning at m.12 the motive alternates between the Violin II and the Cellos. The melody is played tutti until the key change at m.29, at which point when the Cellos and Basses take the melody with light accompaniment in the Violins and Violas. The final statement of the melody is played by the first violins beginning in m. 37. The Silent Night motive from the beginning alternates between Violin II and the Cellos to the end.

SKU: KN.8302

UPC: 822795083026.

Bring the creepy monsters into the moonlight! Set in 3/4 meter in E minor, all violin, viola and cello parts are playable in first position, with basses shifting to 2nd position. This is a great piece for alternating between arco and pizzicato.