Solo Features for Orchestra Friday, February 25, 2022
Practice Part Independence with Each Section
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recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
Vanguard (A Bass Section Adventure) by Doug Spata, Grade 2
Get your superstar bass section out of the back row and into the spotlight with “Vanguard,” an exciting section feature. They’ll get to showcase their skills with hooked bowings, dotted rhythms and exciting, driving melodies. Meanwhile, the rest of the orchestra gets to experience playing mixed C naturals and C sharps, counting challenging rhythms, and taking the spotlight with some fun melodies of their own. All students will love the fast cut-time tempo and dark E-minor tonality, but basses will especially appreciate this exciting chance to finally take center stage!
Through the Dark Domain by Doug Spata, Grade 3
“Through the Dark Domain” by Doug Spata is a thrilling, cinematic journey perfect for your next concert or contest program. Each section of the orchestra gets a chance to play the bold melodies, shimmering ostinatos, and expressive lyrical passages before coming to a dramatic and triumphant conclusion. Featuring a high degree of part independence and opportunities for shifting in all the parts, students will love the fiery, impassioned style of this piece.
Everything by Larry Clark, Grade 3.5
“Everything” is a beautiful new work by composer Larry Clark. Featuring the Harp and utilizing wonderful soloistic sections with the Violin, “Everything” has ample opportunity to work on many techniques with your string orchestra. Inspired by the phrase “Family is Everything,” this work can be used for many occasions or just to strengthen bonds within the orchestra.
Voilà! Violas! by Susan H. Day, Grade 2
Violas take center stage in this lovely piece, which emphasizes expressive legato playing in the key of G minor. Violas have the melody throughout!
Invicta by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 1.5
Showcase a student or bring in a guest artist to perform with your beginning students! Included are advanced solo violin and viola parts along with easier violin and viola solos as an option. Highlighting the strength and resilience of the human spirit, the piece utilizes some of Newbold’s favorite string techniques to show off the violin/viola. An included piano part works well for recitals.
Concerto for Two Violins by Antonio Vivaldi/arr. Brendan McBrien, Grade 3.5
Feature your top two violinists (or guest performers) in this wonderful adaptation of the first movement of Vivaldi’s “Mandolin Concerto in C Major.” Includes passages for solo cello. An optional but highly recommended harpsichord or piano accompaniment adds to the authentic Baroque style.
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 opportunities to practice bowing techniques as well as pizzicato passages. “Oblivion” is going to fit on any concert program!
Everyone’s Guide to the String Orchestra by Camille Saint-Saëns/arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2
“Everyone’s Guide to the String Orchestra,” arranged by Douglas Wagner, is a fantastic selection to feature each section of the ensemble. They all have their very own time to shine in the spotlight with this uniquely scored arrangement of themes from four movements of Saint-Saëns’ “The Carnival of the Animals.” Program as a straight-forward concert number or as a piece incorporated into a recruitment presentation. Medley titles (in order of appearance) are as follows: The Swan (cello section feature) * Lion’s Royal March (viola section feature) * The Elephant (string bass section feature) * Finale (violin section feature).
Snowy Woods by James O. Lockett, Grade 1.5
Envision a crackling fireplace on a snowy December night or imagine gazing out the window in the morning at the beauty of a new-fallen snow – this beautiful original work will warm the audience and players with delight. A beautiful melody and colorful harmonies combined with lush and expert scoring will make the developing orchestra sound full. A harp (optional piano) part adds to the perfect palette of color. A must-have holiday gem.
Impressions of Joy by Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 5
Beethoven has never seemed so fresh! Composer Sean O’Loughlin shows off his “chops” in this homage to the illustrious composer of old. Experience “Ode to Joy” like never before!
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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.