NEW Pop Music for Orchestra Friday, February 12, 2021
recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
Pop tunes that will be a hit with your orchestra and the audience.
High Hopes arr. Doug Adams, Grade 2
Doug Adams’ arrangement of Panic! At the Disco’s chart-topping pop-rock anthem is going to excite your string orchestra and audience. It will be hard to stop them from singing along. Scored perfectly for younger string orchestras, students will fill the hall with a rich sound and strong rhythmic presence.
TEACH: simple rhythms, 4th finger, triplets, pickups in melody
ORCHESTRATION: rock anthem for young students, lots of harmony
PERFORMANCE: add percussion to rock more
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2.5
Whether or not they have the Harry Potter: Wizards Unite augmented reality game on their mobile device, your students are sure to recognize the melodies from Harry Potter: Wizards Unite by John Williams, arranged by Douglas E. Wagner. Five diverse excerpts from the game are included in this medley: “Hedwig’s Theme,” “Profile: Selfie Avatar,” “Fawkes the Phoenix,” “Care of Magical Creatures Encounter,” and “Victory Fanfare.” So, with wands at the ready, let the magic begin!
TEACH: time signature changes, rhythmic patterns, syncopation, triplets
ORCHESTRATION: familiar themes from Harry Potter
PERFORMANCE: Harry Potter mobile game
Selections From Hamilton arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 3.5
Based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, with music and lyrics by the infinitely talented Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Selections from Hamilton” arranged by Douglas E. Wagner will dazzle your students and audiences alike. “Hamilton: An American Musical” has enjoyed wild acclaim and sold out performances world-wide since its Broadway premiere in 2015. Three of the most popular musical moments from the show are artistically presented in this six-and-a-half-minute medley for string orchestra. Titles include: “My Shot,” “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” and “You’ll Be Back.” Let your audiences enjoy being a part of history in most musical way.
TEACH: divisi, rhythmic challenge, key signature changes
ORCHESTRATION: unison rhythms, style changes
PERFORMANCE: finally, Hamilton for orchestra!
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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.