NEW Orchestra Titles by Composers of Color Friday, February 24, 2023
recommended by Maureen Driscoll and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists
Symphony No. 1, 1st Movement by Joseph Bologne/arr. Todd Parrish, Grade 3
One of only two symphonies he composed during his time in France, Bologne’s Symphony No. 1 reflects the influence of his teachers and fellow composers in the burgeoning Classical period. This joyful Allegro features a spirited theme that is developed mainly in the violin section, supported by the lower strings. Originally scored for two oboes, two horns, and strings, this approachable arrangement for String Orchestra retains the original key while seamlessly blending the wind and string parts.
Symphony No. 2, 2nd Movement by William Grant Still/arr. Todd Parrish, Advanced
William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 2 was premiered in 1937 by the Philadelphia Orchestra. The work, subtitled “Song of a New Race,” infuses elements of blues and jazz into the classical form, creating a uniquely blended sound to reflect Still’s vision of an increasingly diverse American culture. Originally composed for full orchestra, this slightly abridged version for string orchestra includes the original harp part, honoring the legacy of one of America’s greatest composers.
A Sertaneja (To Her, from the Hinterlands) by Francisca “Chinquinha” Gonzaga/arr. Dión Morales, Grade 2
A Sertaneja: “To Her, from the Hinterlands,” originally composed for voice and piano, musically paints a picture of Chiquinha’s love of the hinterland – the land behind the body of water – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Through flowing slurs, dotted rhythms, 3/4 time in D minor, and the passing of melody between the strings, Dión Morales’s level 2 arrangement celebrates the lapping waters around Rio de Janeiro and a graceful dance from Brazilian culture by one of its beloved composers, Chiquinha Gonzaga. Students will love playing “A Sertaneja.”
Beathoven by Stephen Spottswood, Grade 4
This hip-hop orchestration incorporates technology and should be played with the audio track (mp3 download) and a speaker. “Beathoven” cleverly combines hip-hop and classical styles. The result is a head bopping, rhythm rocking ensemble piece that ebbs and flows between the 18th century and the 21st century. Teachers can focus on syncopated rhythms, the pentatonic scale, playing with a staccato bow stroke, and making a contrast in dynamics.
East Coast Vibe by Stephen Spottswood, Grade 5
This calypso-style original reflects on the mixing pot of diversity of the composers hometown of Silver Spring, Maryland. With its groovy bass line, syncopated rhythms, and lively melody, this piece leaves no room for a dull moment. The piece starts in G major and segues into a contrasting B section in E minor, resuming back to the original melody with style and grace.
Call of Heroes by Christian A. Williams, Grade 1.5
Reminiscent of the exciting call-to-battle themes of our favorite action and superheroes, “Call of Heroes”, with its driving rhythmic pulse, aims to stir the blood and call every hero to action.
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Maureen Driscoll is the Orchestra Music Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. Originally from the Cleveland area, she attended Miami University in Oxford to study Music Education. After graduating in 2017, Maureen spent five years teaching middle and high school orchestra in Cincinnati-area public schools. A lifelong violinist, she likes to perform with community orchestras and play gigs to keep herself busy. When she’s not working or performing, Maureen enjoys exploring nature, playing video games, baking, and spending time with her boyfriend and two cats.
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.