Programmatic Choices for High School Orchestra Monday, February 07, 2022
7 Perfectly Programmable Pieces for High School Orchestra
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recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
March of the Little Lead Soldiers by Gabriel Pierné/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.
Triumph by Armond Wimberly, Grade 3.5
This dramatic and powerful original work paints a vivid image of ancient warriors returning home triumphantly from battle. Long melodic lines over heavy syncopated 16th-note figures accompanied by body slaps and foot stomps create an exciting musical landscape that young orchestras will want to experience over and over. The middle section provides a smooth contrast while keeping the tension building into an intense, climactic conclusion.
Oblivion by Larry Clark, Grade 2.5
This piece is epic, fresh, and cool. Your students will be asking to play this on loop! Great part-writing gives each section something to work towards with lots of opportunity to practice bowing technique as well as pizzicato passages. “Oblivion” is going to fit on any concert program!
Coming Back by Tyler Arcari, Grade 2
Commissioned during Covid-19, this work is meant to inspire us as we “Come Back” to normal. Hopeful, and mostly upbeat, the work has moments of tension and sadness that underscore the year that we have had through music. We all hope to get back to normal soon, and “Coming Back” is a perfect anthem for that sentiment.
Spirited Voyage by Joshua Reznicow, Grade 4
A positive spirit, joyful energy, and a carefree attitude best describe this scherzo! All sections have a lot of action and musical energy utilizing two distinct melodic themes. The opening and primary spirited themes are coupled with an emotional but gorgeous second melody reminiscent of American fiddling ballads. This section features solos for the viola and viola section as well as for violin, cello, and bass. With big sweeping cinematic moments followed by an upbeat and spirited ending, this piece promises to be a unique program choice as an opener or closer.
(You Are) Amazing by Brian Balmages, Grade 2.5-3
Pay it forward with this message of hope, joy and beauty. Inspired by a sidewalk chalk message, the uplifting music reminds us that we each bring something unique and valuable to the world. Simple time signatures combine with a driving, syncopated rhythmic background to create a work that is spirited and forever joyful!
Rhythmos by Kathryn Griesinger, Grade 3
The title refers to the Latin word for “rhythm” as well as to the ancient Greek term meaning symmetry, harmony, and rhythm in music or speech. This original work for string orchestra explores a variety of interlocking rhythmic structures that support a solemn melody in A minor. The theme moves through several dramatic modal shifts, with a spiccato rhythmic motif re-appearing throughout the sections of the 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.