Sound the Celebration! Programmatic Music for Young Orchestra Friday, March 27, 2020
recommended by Dan C. and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists
Spring Fever by Kathryn Griesinger, Grade 1
A fun, 50s-style rock piece for beginning string players! This easy, up-beat tune only uses notes from the D and G Major scales with just a few open E strings in violin. Add optional drum set for a real dance party beat. The perfect finale for a first-year spring concert!
TEACH • rhythmic independence, pickups on beat 4, dynamics
ORCHESTRATION • fully scored – add drumset for a 60s rock feel
PERFORMANCE • show off your beginners at their spring concert
Falconer by Doug Spata, Grade 2
Perfect for late-beginner and early-intermediate orchestras, this work features simple eighth-note ostinatos; dramatic melodies; and a bold, cinematic sound. Rhythmic independence is limited, and the notes can all be played on the D and A strings (G string for the basses). But the piece retains a mature style that students will love.
TEACH • staccato, pairing up for melodies, dynamic extremes
ORCHESTRATION • melodic content generously shared together
PERFORMANCE • getting it up to 170 will get folks to take notice
Sound the Celebration by Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 2
Set in ABA form, with a brief “Andante e legato” middle section, the A section is truly a bright fanfare which makes for a fantastic concert opener. It’s in D Major with some C naturals thrown in for extra color.
TEACH • F & C natural in D major, necessity of bow position/speed
ORCHESTRATION • most, but not all, of the action in upper strings
PERFORMANCE • exhilarating spirit provides concert inspiration
Perpetuum by Paul Barker, Grade 2.5
“Perpetuum” is a lively and contemporary addition to any concert performance with its memorable melodic lines and relentless driving rhythms. The piece begins with a powerful introduction to the main theme which is ingeniously augmented as the piece powers forward. The middle section provides a warm, lyrical contrast performed by the lower strings. The main theme returns with a wall of sound heading to a dramatic close. This beautifully expressive and contemporary work is a nice change of pace for orchestra students. Using the optional percussion parts are highly recommended for optimal effect.
TEACH • rhythmic combinations in 6/8, rest on beat 1, D minor
ORCHESTRATION • add effective tambourine, cymbals, bass drum
PERFORMANCE • dramatic, expressive, 6/8 extravaganza
Cold Fusion by Peter Terry, Grade 2.5
“Cold Fusion” is a dramatic piece for string orchestra which alternates between a syncopated fanfare and a bold, yet lyrical theme. These contrasting ideas chase each other throughout the piece and their basic nature should be emphasized. The syncopated figure rarely goes away altogether and should be felt under the lyrical theme when they appear together, without becoming too prominent. Performers should pay particular attention to the places where this rhythm blossoms into a restatement of the fanfare to bring this connection out. Reserve enough energy for a big ending. In particular, allow the piece to build into the biggest moment from m. 103 to the end. The title alludes to the idea of a massive amount of energy being unleashed through fairly simple means.
TEACH • A natural minor, syncopation, solid, yet off-kilter pulse
ORCHESTRATION • all parts needed for a thrusting, unified whole
PERFORMANCE • dramatic, energetic and forward propelling
Ignite by Kathryn Griesinger, Grade 2.5
Feel the intensity and fire of an exciting adventure in this electric work for string orchestra. Written in A minor, the musical journey takes players through a series of unexpected modal shifts using easy accidentals, edgy syncopation, and accented rhythms to maintain a sense of danger and momentum. This work of daring escape explodes with energy, keeping players and audiences on the edge of their seats.
TEACH • A minor with modal shifts, edgy syncopation, extra beats
ORCHESTRATION • very active parts for all orchestra sections
PERFORMANCE • this one will light a fire under your audience
Dance of the Red Dragons by Michael Hopkins, Grade 2.5
This energetic and beautiful original work is a lively 2/4 meter piece set in the keys of G major and E minor. All sections pass around the melody while energetic rhythms highlight the countermelody and accompaniment parts. This great festival or concert closer will make your orchestra sound rich and mature.
TEACH • offbeat accents, keeping melody above active accompaniment
ORCHESTRATION • every section gets the melody at some point
PERFORMANCE • a young string group will sound rich and mature
Contact us for more suggestions, and 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.