Grand Pursuit! Adventurous Titles for Orchestra Monday, May 08, 2023
recommended by Eric Stratton and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists
Grand Pursuit by Michael Kamuf, Grade 2
Written to reinforce dotted quarter/eighth note patterns, “Grand Pursuit” by Michael Kamuf features contrasting melodies, bold harmonies, and a fun, groove-oriented development section that combine to create a piece both your students and audiences will enjoy.
Sea Squall by Eric B. Davis, Grade 3
“Sea Squall” is about the journey of a ship traveling across turbulent seas. As the piece progresses, variations of the primary theme change like the winds: sometimes calm and safe, sometimes stormy and powerful. Contrasting dynamics and articulations undulate like an unpredictable storm on the high seas.
Adventure by Liam Ramsey-White, Grade 1.5
Grab your sword, don your armor, and raise your shields. This is the beginning of a great adventure! Liam-Ramsey White has given younger musicians something truly fun to play!
On the Open Seas by Susan H. Day, Grade 1.5
“On the Open Seas” is an exciting new sea chantey by Susan H. Day. Written because sea-faring voyagers are always looking for their next adventure on the open seas! This piece is written in E minor, 4/4 time, and features a spirited, memorable melody, detache bowing, easy rhythms, accents, pizzicato, and fun for all! Bass and cello double, and viola rhythms double 2nd violin rhythms throughout for ease of teaching. Optional piano adds harmonic color. Perfect for any concert occasion, students and teachers will want to keep performing this one!
The Lost City by Seth Gamba, Grade 2
“The Lost City” will inspire your students to create a musical story about ancient and forgotten civilizations. “The Lost City” is proud and grand, with sweeping landscapes and a strong sense of an older time. The musical tale will engage imaginations as the students perform. “The Lost City” explores E natural minor without accidentals. Two-part writing allows all instruments to play melody and harmony. Some independent movement creates depth and passing tones. The music’s character results from accents, slurs, hooked bows, and E minor tonality, which will bring “The Lost City” to life for your string orchestra.
Galaxy Jam by Caryn Wiegand Neidhold, Grade 1.5
Jam among the stars with “Galaxy Jam,” an inventive rock take on “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in E minor. The jam section encourages your students to be creative with instrument percussion improv and solos with suggested notes.
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About the Authors:
Eric Stratton is the Jazz Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. From Westerville, OH, Eric received a Bachelor of Music in Classical Bass Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Otterbein University. On both electric and double bass, he plays in various groups around Columbus, including New Albany Symphony and Westerville Symphony orchestras. He enjoys listening to and playing many types of music, from jazz, pop, to rock and metal. Some of Eric’s favorite performance opportunities are in the pit orchestras of musical theatre productions. When Eric isn’t gigging or at Stanton’s, he enjoys playing video games, hanging out with his cats, performing repair and tech work on guitars, and going to local restaurants and breweries with friends.
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.