Especially for Community Orchestra Wednesday, May 04, 2022
recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
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.
Theme from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky/arr. Chris M. Bernotas, Grade 2.5
Chris M. Bernotas has provided a fantastic arrangement of one of the most beautiful Tchaikovsky themes from “Swan Lake,” Op. 20a, No. 1 Scène. This arrangement will work perfectly for your string orchestra alone or with added winds and percussion up to a full orchestra. This hauntingly beautiful and powerful piece has many opportunities for students to develop their phrasing, tremolo, dynamic contrasts, and rhythmic understanding.
Into the Stars: A Galactic Journey by Anthony Granata, Grade 2
Written by Anthony Granata, “Into the Stars: A Galactic Journey” is an exciting space-themed adventure piece that will captivate your developing orchestras and have them feeling and playing confidently in 6/8 time. With an epic and memorable sounding main theme, your students will be transported into a world of simple and compound meters as they dig into their strings for this fun programmatic piece of music. Students will feel as though they have stepped into the sound stage for a film score of a Hollywood science fiction movie.
Missing You by Anthony Susi, Grade 3
This stirring minor key work captures the longing in the human soul as melodic phrases effectively express the sorrow and loneliness felt from the absence of a loved one. The recurrent sweeping counter-lines in the viola and cello reflect the swelling tears, and the violin tremolos the anguish that comes from yearning for their return. In a brief faster section near the end, the imagination is taken to a possible reunion with the missing loved one. Performers and audiences alike will connect to this sensitive emotion that we all experience at one time or another through life.
Sinfonia Rhythmico by Robert Moore, Grade 4
Originally entitled “The Rhythm Decides,” “Sinfonia Rhythmico” is an exciting, edgy work for advancing string orchestra that comes off as a gripping musical ride with a dominating rhythmic element. Rhythmic permutations of the opening motif, including several augmented versions, appear throughout, driving the work forward to an exciting conclusion. An exceptionally original work, “Sinfonia Rhythmico” could easily be a season highlight, and perfect for any concert or festival occasion.
Oliverian Fantasy by Brian Balmages, Grade 4
This powerful, heartfelt work pays tribute to a student gone too soon, who left behind a melody he composed as part of a class project. Balmages takes this melody and develops it into a full-blown fantasy exploring beauty, vulnerability, heartbreak, and hope. Stunning and unforgettable.
Snowberry by Yukiko Nishimura, Grade 3.5
Written for the retirement of a master teacher, Yukiko’s beautiful harmonic palette is on full display with this hauntingly beautiful work for string orchestra. Absolutely stunning and full of opportunities for expressive playing, your audience will be captivated and you will have plenty to teach in class!
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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.