Teaching Pieces for Young Orchestra Monday, March 22, 2021
Create lesson plans around these titles. Increase dexterity, introduce form, dynamics, and bow technique while keeping your audiences toes tapping.
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recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
Five Before Beethoven by Brian Balmages, Grade 1.5-2
A great compliment to the composer’s popular work “A Beethoven Lullaby,” this original piece pays homage to Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, immersing students in the style of the first movement without feeling like they are playing a watered-down arrangement. Conductors will surely notice the many nods (both subtle and not so subtle) to Beethoven’s masterpiece while also exploring original themes.
TEACH: building to play Beethoven and beyond – Classical technique
ORCHESTRATION: accessible Classical arrangement but not watered down
PERFORMANCE: beginner Classical music
Final Expedition by Bruce W. Tippette, Grade 1.5
This racing, rhythmic string orchestra composition will leave your young ensemble with the sense that they sounded like a professional orchestra. Appropriate for younger groups, the melodic material is presented in all sections of the orchestra. A rousing ending will make even the youngest of ensembles sound great!
TEACH: rhythmic and dynamic awareness
ORCHESTRATION: build on each other
PERFORMANCE: strong energy from strong bow
The Ascent by Tanner Otto, Grade 2
Students will love playing “The Ascent” by Tanner Otto for its upbeat, driving rhythms and beautiful melodies. This piece begins with a triumphant ostinato pattern that reappears throughout the work. The animated main theme leads to a cold and tense middle section before building back into familiar melody. This piece is perfect for working on the A minor and C major finger pattern and staccato bowing.
TEACH: A minor and C major ostinato fingering patterns, staccato bows
ORCHESTRATION: driving rhythm, ABA form
PERFORMANCE: fast and fun, dynamic sections
King Dorian’s Court by Jim Palmer, Grade 1
“King Dorian’s Court” by Jim Palmer will transport your beginning orchestra to the days of kings, knights and the Round Table! All sections will enjoy playing these original melodies which create a musical story in three mini sections. Varied dynamics and musical styles will provide excellent teaching opportunities as well. A perfect choice for concerts, contests, or festivals.
TEACH: G Dorian mode, varied dynamics and styles
ORCHESTRATION: unison playing, mini sections
PERFORMANCE: Medieval feel
Puttin’ on the Pizz by Chris M. Bernotas, Grade 1
“Puttin’ on the Pizz” by Chris Bernotas is sure to become a favorite selection of students and directors. The descending bass line sets the stage for this fun piece. All notes stay in first position and the string orchestra plays pizzicato throughout. Students also have the chance to act as the percussion section. With the optional use of ‘swinging’ eighth notes, “Puttin’ on the Pizz” could be a fun way to introduce a jazzy style to the string orchestra. Everyone in the audience (and in the orchestra) will be tapping their toes to this piece. Violin 2 and Viola are doubled, as are Cello and String Bass, which will work perfectly for younger string orchestras.
TEACH: swing style, all pizzicato, walking bass line, doubled parts
ORCHESTRATION: percussion sound effects made by students
PERFORMANCE: toe tapping
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.