Youth String Orchestra

Powerful lines and strong rhythms introduce this journey into mankind's past. Following the dramatic opening, the cello section leads us with a chant-like melodic strain while the upper voices create...

A driving rhythmic melody is supported by unilateral 'hits' in the lower voices to generate a great deal of intensity in this overture for strings. As the 'momentum' begins to slow, your first violin...

The region of Spain known as Andalucía provides the inspiration for this intense, emotional piece. The blending of flamenco and traditional march styles with a wonderful modal mixture of E minor and C...

Just for fun - and swing technique! This jazzy swing arrangement will teach important skills with a well-known tune as young players expand the realm of string playing with alternative styles. (2:45)

A Joyful Christmas' is based on the popular Christmas carol 'Joy to the World.' Victor López has masterfully written an arrangement that has a Latin flavor and will delight audiences. The piece effect...

Shout along, stomp along, or just plain enjoy! This infectious, rhythmic song will keep the students engaged and be fun to play. The groove is easy to learn, even by ear. 'One Foot,' arranged by veter...

A fitting introduction sets the stage for the gorgeous melody that interacts throughout the string ensemble. An intriguing center section develops and brings the listener back to the rich beginning th...

Hear what happens when Beethoven meets Mozart, Offenbach, Brahms, Handel, Bach, Saint-Saëns and Rossini in this clever arrangement that combines "Ode to Joy" with some of the most famous melodies in t...

Get your audience involved in this fun, interactive piece designed to break the 'fourth wall' that divides performers and listeners. Fresh and hip-sounding, this creative selection is a clap, stomp, a...

Fashioned in the style of a Debussy piano prelude, this delicate piece is a refreshing break from the ordinary. Your students will love the Impressionistic colors and harmonies of this selection, and...

Develop your orchestra's legato playing skills with this lovely folk song. The interesting orchestration helps showcase a very mature sound and every section shares the melody. A perfect 'second piece...

A great way to introduce students to tone painting, this unique and fun-to-play selection traces the path of an imaginary river, which begins as a tiny spring and gradually grows. Themes from three fa...

This totally unique (and somewhat crazy!) selection by Richard Meyer will be the hit of your holiday concert! Your audience will be delighted when they hear what happens when the festive Welsh carol '...

Your students will love playing this fast and energetic new work! Set in E minor, the piece is great for working on dynamic contrasts, staccato, and legato bowing. All parts are playable in first posi...

With a bright and cheerful opening and a lyrical middle section, this piece celebrates the early years of the United States and the sacrifices that secured our freedom. Composed by Michael Hopkins, th...

Secret World' is a high-energy, rhythmic work in E minor---with a mysterious theme---featuring a syncopated motive that will delight players. Chromatic harmonies give students opportunities to develop...

Chasing Shadows by Michael Kamuf features soaring melodies, driving rhythms, and bold harmonies which work together to create cinematic overtones. The use of syncopated rhythms throughout will help re...

Students will learn cut time, rhythmic accuracy, how to achieve clean staccato technique, musical form, and an idea of classical style in this engaging piece. Just plain fun to play! (1:55)

Written as the grand finale for a combined school string festival, this piece is dedicated to the Junior String players of Somerville House Girls' School, Queenwood School for Girls, Sydney and Brisba...

Catchy from the opening bars, the piano part adds interest in this piece and will cover the bass if not available. It is rhythmically interesting, using syncopation and accents. The bowing and rhythms...

Although this dance is energetic, it mustn't begin too quickly, to allow for the accelerando in the final section. However, when the ensemble is confident with the rhythms, a more adventurous tempo co...

Contemporary bowing techniques are explored in this spooky piece. Sul ponticello, Bartók pizzicato, sul tasto, tremolo and Psycho-style glissandi combine to make this work one which is sure to be a st...

Contemporary bowing techniques are explored in this spooky piece. Sul ponticello, Bartók pizzicato, sul tasto, tremolo and Psycho-style glissandi combine to make this work one which is sure to be a st...