Jordan K. Hawkins

Haunted Carnival

Haunted Carnival is a fun, spooky piece that first year students will enjoy performing during the Fall season. Using just five notes, this easy piece can be included on beginning musicians' first concert and was carefully constructed to stay within the limits of their abilities while also maintaining melodic and harmonic interest. The creepy celesta part can be played an octave higher on piano, and is integral to the piece as it establishes the tempo and provides harmonies not found in the string parts. The piece is divided into three main string parts: Violin I, Violin II/Viola, and Cello/Bass. The violin II and viola parts are identical and the cello and bass parts are in octaves. Unison rhythms ensure homogenous playing between sections, building confidence in the young ensemble.