Teaching Pieces for Orchestra Wednesday, August 04, 2021
recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
Beyond the Horizon by Bud Woodruff, Grade 2
Composer Bud Woodruff writes, “To me, ‘Beyond the Horizon’ is as much a philosophy as it is a title. No matter what you have accomplished today, there is always a new adventure awaiting you ‘beyond the horizon.’” This work will inspire your students musically as well as philosophically, making it a wonderful teaching piece, perfect for contest, festival, or performance.
Drops of Sun by Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 3.5
“Drops of Sun” was written to provide teaching opportunities around the concept of “composite rhythms.” Composer Sean O’Loughlin writes, “Throughout my career, I have always had a fascination with composite rhythms and how they sound to an audience. ‘Drops of Sun’ explores this concept and more to provide many wonderful musical teaching opportunities to the advancing string ensemble.”
Phantom Dance by Steven L. Rosenhaus, Grade 3.5
Written to be lively and fun, composer Steven L. Rosenhaus has crafted a brilliant new work for string orchestra featuring the Harp. Compound meters will push your musicians and provide a perfect feel for this “ghostly” dance. Perfect for contest and festival performance.
Luminosity by Liam Ramsey-White, Grade 3.5
Brilliant, fresh and bright! Newcomer Liam Ramsey-White has created a piece that is truly luminous. Work on bell-tone techniques and harmonics as well as mixed-meter in this accessible grade 3 piece for string orchestra. The piece uniquely ends on a “fade-out” effect that will spice up any concert program.
Ketchup, If You Can! by George T. Frueh, Grade 0.5
Beginning students will easily “ketchup” to more experienced players in no time when they master this fun piece. Featuring easy step-wise motion and unison rhythms throughout, it offers an optional repeat and dynamic contrast.
March of the Little Lead Soldiers by Gabriel Pierne/arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 3
“March of the Little Lead Soldiers,” arranged by Douglas Wagner, is a delightful musical bonbon, from Gabriel Pierné’s “Album for My Little Friends.” The piece presents a refreshing out-of-the-box programming opportunity for any string orchestra concert. This arrangement, which highlights the playful recurring main theme and persistent pizzicato passages, creates an entertaining audience experience, as well as an educational vehicle full of teachable moments.
Viva Amadeus by W.A. Mozart/arr. Richard Meyer, Grade 2
It’s Mozart with a Latin twist! “Viva Amadeus!,” arranged by Richard Meyer, is a charming reworking of “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.” It is sure to make your audience smile while providing your students with opportunities to work on syncopation and “south of the border” dance rhythms. Fun for everyone, as all the sections take turns stepping into the melodic spotlight. Latin percussion parts add to the cha-cha feel of this irresistible celebration. Olé!
Time to Tango by Erica Donahoe, Grade 3
The tango is a partner dance that originated along the Rio de la Plata in the 1880s. This creative and engaging original work provides all the flair and rhythmic syncopations that make the traditional dance so appealing. Optional maracas, bongo, and guiro parts add the perfect spice.
Chaps ‘n Spurs by Susan Day, Grade 2
This upbeat Western themed Grade 2 piece features lively melodies for all, with teaching opportunities to reinforce accents, hooked bows, pizzicato, 2 note slurs, lifts, cello divisi, slides, dynamics, and easy rhythms. Written in the key of G throughout, the opening theme is announced by all the upper strings in unison. Care should be taken not to make the notes too short and choppy. This fun and happy piece is perfect for any performance occasion!
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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.