New Sight Reading Options for Orchestra Tuesday, March 16, 2021
recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
Cricket Dance by Peter Terry, Grade 1
Using only the first six notes of the D-major scale, composer Peter Terry has created a fun and engaging piece that features optional guiro. This work is also great for introducing lighter articulations to your ensemble.
Dark Forest Legend by Eric B. David, Grade 1
Take a musical journey through a deep forest lined with towering trees! This mysterious work for beginning string players evokes feelings of enchantment and intrigue. The melody is passed to every section, and easy notes and rhythms showcase developing playing skills through an exciting theme.
Dizzy Digits by Richard Meyer, Grade 1
Using the notes of the D major scale, “Dizzy Digits” by Richard Meyer was written to improve early readers’ finger dexterity and note-reading skills. Your students are sure to rise to the challenge of this fun, perpetual-motion style selection that is great for concert or contest. Start slow and increase the tempo a bit each day and watch those digits start flying! A great motivator for year one and two string students!
Mystical Mage by Jeremy Woolstenhulme, Grade 1.5
Familiar with Woolstenhulme’s popular “Mystical” series? Well here’s the 4th in the series, and great news – It’s the easiest of them all. Perfect for first to second year string orchestras. And the word “Mage” you wonder? It’s another word for magician or sorcerer. Set in E minor.
Nomadic Journey by Carol Brittin Chambers, Grade 2.5
“Nomadic Journey” is a driving adventure from start to finish. Using optional percussion instruments and ostinato patterns, composer Carol Brittin Chambers has written a piece that is not only enjoyable for an audience but will have your students wanting to play it again and again.
Threshold by Tyler Arcari, Grade 0.5
Exciting and intense from start to finish, “Threshold” doesn’t hold back! Driving and fun, the work also has moments of lyrical expressiveness making it not only fun to play, but a great piece to teach. Using only the first 6 notes of the D-major scale, “Threshold” is perfect for your first concert.
No matter what your in-person or remote teaching requires, shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
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.