Recruiting Pieces for Orchestra Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Inspire new orchestra musicians with a performance from their older peers!
.
.
#makethemostmusic #dedicationtoeducation #programwiththepros #sheetmusicspecialists #bewherethemusicis #stantonssheetmusic #sheetmusic #musiceducation #musicteacher #musiced #musiceducator #musiceducationmatters #covidlearning #covidteaching #conducting #musicdirector #music #orchestradirector #orchestra #orchestraconductor #orchestrateacher #stringsteacher #strings #stringedinstruments
recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
The Ascent by Tanner Otto, Grade 2
Students will love playing “The Ascent” by Tanner Otto for its upbeat, driving rhythms and beautiful melodies. This piece begins with a triumphant ostinato pattern that reappears throughout the work. The animated main theme leads to a cold and tense middle section before building back into familiar melody. This piece is perfect for working on the A minor and C major finger pattern and staccato bowing.
School by Richard Meyer, Grade 3
Pay tribute to your school with this imaginative musical portrait of the school day as viewed by typical students through the inspired genius of composer Richard Meyer. Six creative musical interludes portray the subjects of the school day (History, Math, English, Physical Education, Science, and Orchestra), each introduced with a short poem read by a narrator. The delightful poems were written by middle-school students and offer amusing and enlightening insights into their encounters with the wonders (and perils) of education. The subjects are linked together by brief and hectic musical “passing periods” based on the “Promenade” from Mussorgsky’s famous “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Use the poems included or, for a wonderful writing prompt, have your students compose their own! “School” is the perfect piece for an assembly, a concert for the parents, or a recruiting tour.
Courtly Two Step by Bud Woodruff, Grade 2
This charming new work for developing string orchestra is great for showcasing your sections. Each section has a feature in this light-hearted new tune, making it not only a wonderful teaching piece but a great work for concert programs.
Secret Passage by Frank J. Halferty, Grade 1+
This exciting piece blends energy and mystery, with an abundance of dynamic contrast, pizzicato and tremolo, which makes it enticing for players and audiences alike. It’s approachable nature makes it a perfect selection for grade 1+ groups and provides lots of motivation to perfect. This is a great selection for contests and festivals.
Final Expedition by Bruce W. Tippette, Grade 1.5
This racing, rhythmic string orchestra composition will leave your young ensemble with the sense that they sounded like a professional orchestra. Appropriate for younger groups, the melodic material is presented in all sections of the orchestra. A rousing ending will make even the youngest of ensembles sound great!
Suite from Carmen arr. Robert D. McCashin, Grade 3.5
This fantastic and playable suite of themes from the popular opera “Carmen” includes the “Opening Bugle Call” and “March of the Dragoons,” the famous “Habanera,” the beautiful “Entr’acte to Act III – Intermezzo,” and the soaring, spirited music of the “Final Act.” A great way to showcase your students playing some of the most famous and enjoyable opera music in the repertoire!
Frogs by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
Inspired by the gift of a frog guiro as well as the works of Percy Grainger, composer Standridge has created a delightful aural visit to an imaginary pond. In creating this “amphibious” work, the composer has used melodies that involve small “leaps” representing the frogs jumping about in their pond, trills representing buzzing insects, and of course the above-mentioned frog guiro. Your students and audience will revel in the delightful aural painting of the life of a pond.
Voyager by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 2.5
Take flight through the soaring melodic lines of this bold work that lets your students’ imaginations run wild. Whether on the back of a hawk or on a journey to space, this energy-infused piece keeps all sections engaged rhythmically and melodically. A dynamic key change adds to the adrenaline rush. Thrilling!
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author:
Megan W., originally from Pittsburgh PA, is happy to call Columbus and Stanton’s Sheet Music “Home.” As a musician, Megan has played in marching and concert bands, youth orchestras, full orchestras, small ensembles, and a few choirs. Her interests include fiddling, reading, writing, martial arts and yoga.