News & Views Thursday, March 28, 2024

Colors of Home: Programmatic Music for Orchestra Wednesday, December 18, 2019

colors of home alan lee silvarecommended by Dan C. and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists

Colors of Home by Alan Lee Silva, Grade 3
A loving portrait of life growing up in the pastoral foothills of Northern California, “Colors of Home” conveys a warm Americana feeling, featuring beautifully nuanced melodic themes and carefully crafted harmonies.
TEACH • bringing melody out of rhythmic, harmonic layers
ORCHESTRATION • active, but lyrical accompaniment parts
PERFORMANCE • wonderful, laid back, change of pace selection

zoom richard meyerZoom! by Richard Meyer, Grade 3
Vivid imagery, colorful orchestrations, and a variety of styles all combine to make this one-of-a-kind selection a journey that your students and audience will never forget! In the form of a five-part rondo with changing tempos, this piece will let creativity fly!
TEACH • syncopation, accidentals, contrasting styles, 5/4 time
ORCHESTRATION • no one will get bored with this zoomer!
PERFORMANCE • tons of variety in one five-minute selection

Gemini by George Sweet, Grade 3
The astrological sign of Gemini is important to the composer and his family. In addition to being born under the sign himself, the composer’s father and sister are also Geminis. This piece, as a result, is both auto-biographical and a reflection of the composers closest family.
TEACH • blend close-knit, shifting harmonies with good intonation
ORCHESTRATION • non-technical parts, but sonority is crucial
PERFORMANCE • perfect ethereal addition to a “space” concert

struggle in the shadows brian balmagesStruggle in the Shadows by Brian Balmages, Grade 3
This powerful work tackles the issue of bullying in schools from the perspective of a student. Making use of a quartet within the ensemble (either a standard quartet or an option of using a second cellist instead of viola), the piece moves between the voices of the lonely and their experiences. From moments of solitude to anguish and hope, this piece seeks to bring light to an issue that continues to plague schools worldwide.
TEACH • emotional push/pull, articulated tremolo, balance
ORCHESTRATION • crucial piano and string quartet parts
PERFORMANCE • allowing moments of solitude, anguish and hope

trailblaze rick hirschTrailblaze by Rick Hirsch, Grade 3.5
The sweeping cinematic sounds of this energetic work will immediately grasp your audience’s attention and your students will be excited to dig in and experience the fun groove of the piece! Written with a slight jazz flavor, the music is a welcome departure from standard string repertoire and is a phenomenal change of pace for your next program.
TEACH • feeling 3/4 in 1, syncopation, shifting, major 7th/minor 2nd
ORCHESTRATION • everybody has meaty pemmican to chew
PERFORMANCE • sweeping, driving, cinematic & slightly jazzy

Browse our website for more programmatic options for strings, or contact us for personalized recommendations. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Authors:
Dan C. has worked at Stanton’s since 1979, primarily with orchestra music and print promotions. A “working” musician, he’s a classical cellist, a rock & jazz bassist and a folk & country guitarist/singer. His free time is spent with family or reading, gardening, cycling and working puzzles. His series of musical puzzles (RP3 Rebus Puzzle Picture People) can be found on the Stanton’s Facebook page each Sunday. He also has a reputation as a pretty good joke teller, and is recently retired – congrats, Dan!

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.

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