Highlighting Female Composers for String Orchestra Monday, February 28, 2022
7 Fabulous Females!
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recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
Deborah Baker Monday
Sound the Celebration! by Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 2
Set in ABA form, with a brief “Andante e legato” middle section, the A section is truly a bright fanfare which makes for a fantastic concert opener. It’s in D Major with some C naturals thrown in for extra color.
Jai Hind arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 2.5
“Jai Hind” is an Indian expression meaning “Hail India” or “Long Live India.” This arrangement features three different songs, including “Jana, Gana, Mana,” the National Anthem of India. Ms. Monday also includes an energetic Bollywood inspired section which is a nod to the popular Indian movie industry. The opening section features a beautiful violin solo.
Ukrainian Dance (Hopak) by Modest Mussorgsky/arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 2
This energetic and lively dance features some of the most delightful themes from Mussorgsky’s original. Based in G Major, this arrangement also showcases some of the composer’s harmonic vocabulary while using very few accidentals. A perfect selection to change the pace of your concert, especially after a heavy work.
Erica Donahoe
Blaze by Erica Donahoe, Grade 2.5
This fiery work showcases the low strings, with driving rhythms and syncopations. Students have the opportunity to practice both forward and backward extensions, as well as accented and off the string bow strokes. Paying close attention to dynamics and articulation will strengthen the performance. The slow, middle section will be a moment for the violas and cellos to shine, with a rich melody in their lower register. Encourage your students to dig in and light the stage on fire!
Imperial Procession by Erica Donahoe, Grade 4
Newcomer Erica Donahoe gives us a piece that could easily fit on any contest and festival program. Full of opportunities for advanced playing by each section of the string orchestra, this piece fits on any concert program.
Venom by Erica Donahoe, Grade 1.5
“Venom” is a unique new work for string orchestra by newcomer Erica Donahoe. The piece will be one your students ask to play over and over. Complete with a lyrical section for expressive playing, as well as interesting parts for everyone in the ensemble and accentuated by optional percussion, “Venom” a winning combination.
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.
Kathryn Griesinger
A Streak of Light by Kathryn Griesinger, Grade 3
A relentless 6/8 accompaniment drives this piece forward with exciting momentum. Intensity builds like the first piercing light on the morning horizon, flourishing toward a stately middle section that reflects the grandeur of glorious colors and spacious skies. Players with the melody should take care to sustain with a warm, ringing tone. The pizzicato accompaniment should also stay unrushed and steady. The following restatement of the fast opening theme soars to a triumphant finale.
Ignite by Kathryn Griesinger, Grade 2.5
Feel the intensity and fire of an exciting adventure in this electric work for string orchestra. Written in A minor, the musical journey takes players through a series of unexpected modal shifts using easy accidentals, edgy syncopation and accented rhythms to maintain a sense of danger and momentum. A daring escape that explodes with energy, keeping players and audiences on the edge of their seats.
Subterranean by Kathryn Griesinger, Grade 1.5
Go underground to explore the deep, dark sounds of the orchestra’s lowest strings. A ponderous, minor theme weaves through every section of the orchestra along with a few easy off-beat rhythms. The absence of low 2 finger patterns make this helpful for teaching and reinforcing note reading on the G, C, and E (bass) strings, while also being extremely satisfying musically.
Spring Fever by Kathryn Griesinger, Grade 1
A fun, 50s-style rock piece for beginning string players! This easy, up-beat tune only uses notes from the D and G Major scales with just a few open E strings in violin. Add optional drum set for a real dance party beat. The perfect finale for a first-year spring concert!
Zira! Zira! by Kathryn Griesinger, Grade 2
This traditional Ethiopian folk song is an ancient warrior cry. The pounding of the drums stirs up a sense of anticipation and bravery – a call to war heard in the driving percussion. In addition to playing double-stops and heavy accented rhythms, players will get to practice reading music in cut time. Powerful!
Katie O’Hara LaBrie
Maelstrom by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 3
This exciting piece starts with a treacherous storm motif that acts as the undercurrent to a musical storm containing quotes from Smetana’s “Die Moldau,” Saint-Saëns’s “Carnival of the Animals,” and a traditional Irish sea chanty. Some shifting is required in first violin, cello, and bass and all parts include accidentals and dramatic dynamic changes. Developing players will refine articulation skills, explore a variety of rhythms in 6/8, and expand their chromatic and dynamic horizons in the familiar key of E minor.
Found/Tonight arr. Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 3
“Found/Tonight” arranged by Katie O’Hara LaBrie is the emotional mash-up of “You Will Be Found” from Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen and “The Story of Tonight” from Hamilton. First premiered by Ben Platt and Lin-Manuel Miranda at the 2018 March for Our Lives, this piece was dedicated to the kids impacted by gun violence in the wake of the Parkland, Florida tragedy. In this arrangement for strings and optional piano, melodies get passed from voice to voice, while rich harmonies tug at your heart strings.
Pride of the Highlands by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 3.5
Journey to the vast countryside of Scotland as you imagine the sound of bagpipes rolling over a heather moor. Memorable melodies abound in every part, portraying the strength and pride of the Scottish Highlanders as well as the beauty of the Highlands. Ideal for expanding range, rhythmic understanding and musical expression.
With Gratitude by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 3
“With Gratitude” by Katie O’Hara LaBrie is a flowing yet spirited composition written in memory of a bright youngster who always sought out the good things in life. Perfect for advancing string orchestras, this piece features soaring melodies, rhythmic independence, and higher positions for violin 1 and cello, all while exploring changing modalities in C major and A major. Students will learn to play expressively as they connect to the story behind the piece using the hashtag #yearofgratitude.
Neridah Oostenbroek
Get Reeling by Neridah Oostenbroek, Grade 2.5
This lively, energetic piece is based on two original reels that incorporate a lot of fun techniques for all instruments. A drone in the middle section is reminiscent of Scottish bagpipes and utilizes colorful harmonics in the violins. Sure to become a favorite for students and audiences alike!
Hoedown Showdown by Neridah Oostenbroek, Grade 3
Get ready to have some fun with this energetic western-style romp! Showcasing a melody that weaves its way through every section, the piece also makes use of open string drones and syncopated rhythms, bringing the country-style flair to life. Outstanding and infectious!
A Pirate’s Plunder by Neridah Oostenbroek, Grade 2
Embark on a journey across the high seas with this gusty piece that captures the rogue nature of Caribbean pirates. Featuring contrasting sections and techniques such as harmonics, pizzicato, and double stops, there is never a dull moment. Sure to be a student favorite!
Soon Hee Newbold
Celtic Sunrise by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 1.5
Experience the beauty and power of a Celtic sunrise in this accessible, yet powerful sounding work. Driving rhythms and decisive open intervals depict the countryside and rolling hills of Scotland. Optional percussion parts add to the festive quality of the piece. Get ready to experience a massive sound with your young orchestra!
Voyager by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 2.5
Take flight through the soaring melodic lines of this bold work that lets your students’ imaginations run wild. Whether on the back of a hawk or on a journey to space, this energy-infused piece keeps all sections engaged rhythmically and melodically. A dynamic key change adds to the adrenaline rush. Thrilling!
Appalachian Hymn by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 1
Your young orchestra will sound rich and mature with this new lyrical work by Soon Hee Newbold. Reminiscent of traditional hymns and popular folk tunes, this work uses legato and staccato passages to portray scenic views of nature trails, flowing rivers, and wildflowers. A wonderful selection that will add a lot of depth to the sound of your ensemble!
Hiawatha by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 1
The Native American Chief Hiawatha served as the inspiration behind this creative work. A rhythmic motif is immediately introduced and represents the beating drums often associated with this type of music. There are no tempo changes, and a lyrical section offers a nice contrast with the opening and closing material. Very engaging.
Susan H. Day
Apache Peak by Susan H. Day, Grade 1.5
Perfect for advanced beginning orchestra, “Apache Peak” by Susan H. Day takes its title from the Apache Peak, the 2nd highest mountain peak (13,441 ft) in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Colorado. This piece tries to capture the excitement and wonder of the breathtaking mountain scenery with melodies for all, easy rhythms, terraced dynamics, and an exciting conclusion.
Dragon Fire by Susan H. Day, Grade 2+
Imagine the fire-spewing, eyes-blazing, slimy-scaled mythical creature in this dramatic new work! This excellent teaching piece features many techniques including hooked bowings, slurs, lifts, accents, pizzicato, tremolo, and a few high 3rd fingers in the upper string parts. Written in the keys of a minor and e minor, all parts have interesting moving lines and melodies, and also wonderfully rich chordal harmonies. Sure to be a crowd pleasing addition to any concert or festival!
Pot of Gold by Susan H. Day, Grade 1+
This Irish sounding piece teaches 3/4 time, legato bowing, pizzicato, lifts, and 2-note slurs. Containing interesting melodic lines for all, the piece stays in 1st position throughout and only includes notes in D major. The Viola part doubles the 2nd Violin, and the Bass doubles the Cello part.
La Española by Susan H. Day, Grade 3.5
“La Española” is inspired by Spanish dance music enjoyed around the world. For this original specialty set in G minor, picture a beautiful Spanish dancer wearing a gorgeous, richly decorated red dress with shiny red high heels. Larger string orchestras are ideal for this work as it requires considerable divisi within instrument sections.
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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.