The composer writes:Pilgrim was inspired it will be no surprise to learn by reading Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress - Vaughan Williams's great opera on the subject had fascinated me from its first performance yet it was a long time before I caught up with this essential item in any well-stocked library of English classics. It made a great impression not least because of its theme of a journey of self-discovery and a rediscovery or renewal of faith. These are ideas which have a strong interest for me not in religious terms but in their application to every aspect of human life (including great journeys) and this piece reflects my response in musical terms to this concern. The tempo of the whole piece which lasts about 18 minutes is basically slow. There are two quick episodes but these act somewhat like the trio sections of a classical scherzo save that the tempo relationships are inverted (the classical trios would have been slower not quicker) and the canvas is much larger being that of a single substantial slow movement. The form of the whole is perhaps fantasia-like rather than having any relationship to classical forms such as sonata or rondo - some motifs and themes are varied as the work develops and the opening chords are of primary importance throughout the work. There has been no attempt to convey any pictorial elements deriving from Bunyan's great book. There is however one feature which upon completion of the score struck me with some force which is that almost all the thematic material is essentially striving upwards - there is a constant upward movement (sometimes over a lengthy period) throughout the work. Pilgrim was commissioned by the Luton Music Club for the Raphael Ensemble with funds provided by the Eastern Arts Board and Bedfordshire County Council and is dedicated to the Luton Music Club. The first performance was given in Luton on February 10th 1997 and followed as part of a joint scheme by performances in the same week at the Music Clubs of Bedford and Leighton Buzzard.

This upbeat hit recorded by Carly Rae Jepsen has taken the charts by storm and quickly has become a pop anthem. This great sounding arrangement will go together quickly with great audience appeal for any concert.

Using only paired eighth notes with the notes on the A, D, and G strings, this accessible piece will help any group sound more mature. This easy, fun tune will delight audiences and students. It includes dancing for a change of pace and to aid in developing a sense of rhythm. The calls to teach the Virginia Reel are in the educational packs. (2:05) / Orchestre A Cordes

Rosin up the bow call out the fire department and let's go! This lively energetic piece gives students a chance to show off their newly learned C natural (on the A string) in a modal display of beginning virtuosity. Students will want to play this one again and again. (Grade 1 - Correlates with Strictly Strings Book 1 page 30) This title is available in SmartMusic.

Par SPATA DOUG. 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). / Date parution : 2022-10-12/ Répertoire / Orchestre à Cordes

Attention thrill-seekers! Invite your orchestra and audience to step aboard the 'Millennium Cyclone' roller coaster, and take off on a wild ride! Filled with twists, turns, ups, and downs---and even a moment to catch your breath. Here's an original piece by Andrew H. Dabczynski that will delight and challenge intermediate string players. It's also a chance to introduce repeated 16th note figures and dramatically contrasting dynamics - this one is a sure 'must ride!' (3:30) / Orchestre A Cordes