Sheet Music by Women Composers for String Orchestra: Artistic Excellence

With a nod to the composer's Irish lineage on her mother's side, this work encompasses the characteristics of a jig, emphasizing the strong sense of pulse required for this lively dance. The bowing is...

This piece is the confluence of J.S. Bach and South America. A lively, Brazilian-influenced tune in C minor uses a chord progression, suggested by Bach, in jazz form. Confluence begins with a passiona...

In Japan there is an old tale which has been told since before time began. Two of the most beautiful stars in the night sky are Altair, representing Man and Vega, representing Woman. These two lovers...

Lavande is the French word for lavender flower, which is the inspiration for this work by Yukiko Nishimura. It presents an ideal vehicle for young string orchestras to explore the nuances of adagio pl...

Circinus is a Latin word meaning circle. And in music, a circle of organized sound is a canon. The theme of this canon weaves itself through the voices; sometimes in unison, octaves, as a duet, a trio...

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...