Shirl Jae Atwell

Bluegrass music is an important part of Kentucky's rich musical heritage. Bluegrass musicians often participate in jam sessions where music is spontaneously created. "Kentucky Jam" brings to life the...

Jeunesse is a French word used to describe 'the time of one's youth,' which is reflected in this music that is carefree, yet bittersweet. This lovely piece has a lilting quality that demands attention...

'Arousing wonder and inquisitiveness' - that is mystère. And this piece exemplifies, through music, the wonder and incomprehension of a mystery with melodies and counter melodies throughout. (3:15)

The dashing elegance of this work will charm your orchestra and audience. Pedagogically sound and with important parts for everyone in the ensemble, the work will be a flashy plume on your program.

A country-dance tune from Playford's English Dancing Master, this is an excellent introduction to simple cut time. The work contains only a few dotted note rhythms and has interesting parts for all pl...

Piddlin' is a loose double Rondo in a slightly modal D minor, with contrasting episodes in between the two main themes. The basses start off theme 1 with an ostinato. Violin 1, celli and basses will s...

The dashing elegance of this work will charm your orchestra and audience. Pedagogically sound and with important parts for everyone in the ensemble, the work will be a flashy plume on your program.

A country-dance tune from Playford's English Dancing Master, this is an excellent introduction to simple cut time. The work contains only a few dotted note rhythms and has interesting parts for all pl...

This popular folk/fiddle tune, set in D Major, is a productive exercise in syncopation and maintaining a steady tempo. All sections have a shot at the familiar tune and Atwell's signature twists of ha...

Piddlin' is a loose double Rondo in a slightly modal D minor, with contrasting episodes in between the two main themes. The basses start off theme 1 with an ostinato. Violin 1, celli and basses will s...

In E minor, this lively piece mirrors Baroque period rhythms and textures. First violins will go to 3rd position, and basses are featured in the B section with a walking pizzicato bassline.

Every section of the orchestra gets to play melodic passages, even the basses in this Grade 2.5 original work. Set in B minor with a syncopated feel, the accompaniment features tied rhythms across the...

As the title implies, this music is "in the style of" Handel, using the counterpoint in a way that slowly builds intensity to the dramatic finish. Set in the key of E minor, this piece remains well wi...

With ancestors of Ireland as the inspiration, this work is a case of "jig meets the modern string orchestra". Interesting harmonies and rugged rhythms propel this music forward. Your students will lov...

This upbeat setting of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" starts with a funky Latin bass line in the low strings. Fragments of the tune enter with some cool syncopated patterns; some of these patterns come...

Pay tribute to the Greek muse of dance, Terpsichore, with this lively jig in G minor. Upper strings have the opportunity to shift to third position and stay there to play the main theme. Cellos are th...

In E minor, this lively piece mirrors Baroque period rhythms and textures. First violins will go to 3rd position, and basses are featured in the B section with a walking pizzicato bassline.

Every section of the orchestra gets to play melodic passages, even the basses in this Grade 2.5 original work. Set in B minor with a syncopated feel, the accompaniment features tied rhythms across the...

As the title implies, this music is in the style of Handel, using the counterpoint in a way that slowly builds intensity to the dramatic finish. Set in the key of E minor, this piece remains well with...

In the tradition of 17th century Burgundian carols, the overall character of this piece is homophonic with strong rhythm underneath. A beautiful addition to any holiday concert!

In the tradition of 17th century Burgundian carols, the overall character of this piece is homophonic with strong rhythm underneath. A beautiful addition to any holiday concert!

Ms. Atwell has incorporated her signature sounds and styles, but at the elementary levelá Even the most inexperienced orchestras will sound full and mature with this terrific piece, based on an old En...

Akerwis comes from the Latin word acervus meaning to stack. Here it's the stacking of notes to create chords for this swing-style jazz composition.

Ms. Atwell says, 'Once you have heard Motif, you will remember it!' Motif is jazzy and includes syncopated passages for everyone.