Explore Nature with Your Orchestra Monday, April 25, 2022
recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
Desert Sunrise by James Oliver Lockett, Grade 2
This warm, lush work for early-intermediate string orchestra has simple, playable, yet interesting elements for all performers. Teaching opportunities include legato and pizzicato articulations, dynamics changes, a focus on intonation, and playing together in simple, repeated rhythms. The sonorous harmonies make this piece enjoyable to teach and to play as well as to hear for the audience. The optional harp part adds another layer of beauty and interest.
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.”
Enduring the Storm by Lucas Shogren, Grade 1.5
A slow and gentle opening melody delivers a feeling of hope and perseverance before giving way to a strong, driving theme of unwavering determination that builds to an intense and exciting ending. Developing string players will have the opportunity to study a wide variety of articulations, dynamics, and bowings. An excellent choice to open or conclude a program.
Fall River Road by Morgan Denney, Grade 0.5
Depicting a scenic drive up the historic first road in Rocky Mountain National Park, this highly accessible work is based on a D major scale with stepwise motion in all parts and string crossings on open strings. Musical motifs are shared throughout the ensemble as the beauty of nature takes center stage in this peaceful, yet joyful work.
Fernwood by George Sweet, Grade 2
George Sweet has such a wonderful harmonic palette you just can’t help but enjoy his music. Full of hope, and a little sadness, it has everything in a piece that we get from life. Inspired by the woods surrounding the composer’s home, “Fernwood” is a magical and personal piece.
A Forest Snowfall by David Bobrowitz, Grade 3
In this evocative string work, composer Bobrowitz uses the power of music to spur vivid, nostalgic images in the minds of listeners. Hearing the extremely moving melodies and harmonies of this work can easily put one’s mind into a day of walking through a dark green evergreen forest on a cloudy, winter day. Suddenly the grey clouds open up to a snowfall of thick, white flakes that land coldly on your face. Although chilly, you are oh so taken with the beauty of the moment! The flakes begin to stick to the ground and the trees, and the mix of white and green paint a truly beautiful picture. “A Forest Snowfall” can be a gorgeous addition to any string concert, and especially appropriate for a winter concert.
The Garden by Tyler Arcari, Grade 2
Written for a dear friend and her social media posts about her cool Florida garden, Tyler Arcari crafts a heart-felt tribute perfectly suited for contest and festival. Very Copland-like, very accessible, along with lots of opportunities for expressive and contest-style playing.
Mountain Run by Liam Ramsey-White, Grade 1.5
As the name implies, this work portrays a morning run up a mountain and the feeling that comes with the wonderful vistas that surround. Students will experience images of beautiful vegetation and fresh-water streams as they traverse the mountain path. All notes are playable in D Major after just a couple years of study, with no low second fingers. The adventurous theme and accompaniments are composed of simple rhythms that sound great and are easy to put together.
Majestic Moonlight by Bruce W. Tippette, Grade 2
Ideal for young orchestras, “Majestic Moonlight” by Bruce W. Tippette incorporates a gentle, lilting melodic line with lush harmonies and simple rhythms. It is a musical journey that paints a picture of the moonlight shining majestically. Without technical obstacles in the way, your students will be free to enjoy achieving all of the musical emotion as the piece builds to a climactic maestoso moment before the peaceful conclusion.
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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.