Highland String Orchestra

This stylish all-pizzicato dance written by Doug Spata for late beginner orchestras will delight students and audiences. The notes and rhythms may be simple, but the bubbly melodies in each part provi...

S'vivon (se-vi-vohn) is the Hebrew word for dreidl, a four-sided top that is popular with children during the celebration of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. In this arrangement by...

Archaic Voices' by Doug Spata was written at the request of a friend of the composer who wanted an easy piece she could use to introduce low 1st-finger B-flats. Her students really responded to the ag...

Written with early advanced orchestras in mind, here is a dramatic selection in fast 3/4 time with some daring rhythms and sweeping, romantic melodies. Teachers can use 'Rogue Rider' by Doug Spata to...

Here's a fun, jazzy, all-pizzicato selection for early beginners to play at one of their first concerts! 'Showtime Rag' is built around a strong, steady beat. This original by Doug Spata uses only the...

Upon hearing the words 'Big Sky Country,' one typically thinks of the western states; Montana in particular. This piece, however, depicts any place where the sky is vast, the view expansive, and the s...

Imagine the sounds of the Arctic with this lively minor melody that evokes images of an exciting expedition through cold winds and rough ice. Each section plays the melody, evoking images of a trek th...

This traditional Hanukkah song, 'My Candles' (sometimes known as 'In the Window'), is a lovely and haunting melody written in strophic form. Strophic music is a song that has only one phrase of melodi...

With its bright, hopeful melody and infectious rhythms, this original piece by Scott Watson, 'A Joyous Celebration,' is perfect to program for any celebratory occasion, or to open or close your concer...

An original passacaglia by Gary Fagan with the melody in the bass line, this piece will challenge your basses and provide opportunities for the orchestra to work on balance and listening down. (3:20)

In 3/4, with some pizzicato and a few slurs, the minor melodies and gypsy-like quality make 'A Gypsy's Life' a very appealing selection composed by Susan Day. The perfect piece to introduce B-flat to...

A Child for Three Kings, a beautiful arrangement by Jim Palmer, combines 'Greensleeves' and 'We Three Kings' to create a Christmas concert selection that will be loved by students and audiences alike....

Perfect for late-beginner and early-intermediate orchestras, this work features simple eighth-note ostinatos; dramatic melodies; and a bold, cinematic sound. Rhythmic independence is limited, and the...

Perfect for late-beginner and early-intermediate orchestras, this work features simple eighth-note ostinatos; dramatic melodies; and a bold, cinematic sound. Rhythmic independence is limited, and the...

Emerald Spring, written by Erica Donahoe, is perfect for a spring concert. Opening with a melodic air and finishing with a rollicking jig, students and audiences will enjoy the variety offered here. S...

If you are looking for a fun, exciting selection for your beginning orchestra, look no further! Rustic Warriors, by Rodney Lamar Page, highlights each string orchestra instrument with a very catchy me...

This skillful arrangement is based on an American square dance tune: 'Come Dance, Josey.' Mark Williams has simplified the rhythms but preserved the vitality and energy of a good old-fashioned square...

Violinists will love the opening solo statement of this poignant and distinctively Irish-flavored melody. The pizzicato accompaniment and optional harp part add to the folk texture. This is a fine add...

This remarkably beautiful work by Todd Coleman will instantly remind you of the Barber Adagio in style and form. Divisi violin II and cello add to the fullness of the overall texture. A richly rewardi...

The "Skye Boat Song" is one of the best known of all Scottish folk songs. In this rich treatment by Carrie Lane Gruselle, school orchestras can experience this great melody from the Celtic folk tradit...

This absolutely gorgeous work for string orchestra simply sings with musicality. Incredibly expressive, this piece holds its own with the true classics of string literature. Your orchestra will grow i...

We can't think of any better way to say it - This piece ROCKS! Loaded with driving rhythms and special effects, you won't believe that a piece sounding this sophisticated could play this easy! Using s...

From the exciting opening statement to the powerful closing, you and your students will be hooked by the energy and exuberance of this one! The driving rhythms and lyrical moments make this piece a wo...

Your orchestra will absolutely love playing this original new "Russian-flavored" work by Michael Reilly. A study in contrasts, this piece includes a lush and expressive melody of extreme beauty, follo...

Constantly changing meters and modern harmonies give this piece a contemporary sound not often found in string music for young orchestras. Your students will really take to the rhythmic and driving in...