String Orchestra Best Sellers Friday, July 22, 2022
recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
Beethoven Lullaby (Air on Ode to Joy) arr. Brian Balmages, Grade 1
Who says that a piece that is technically a Grade 1 can’t open students’ ears to more mature harmonic layers that ebb and flow from dissonance to consonance? Leave it to the consummate arranging skills of Brian Balmages to come up with a gorgeous string orchestra offering that weaves “modern” harmony around an ethereal melodic core of “Ode to Joy.” Train your students’ ears as well as their fingers and hands!
Bohemian Rhapsody arr. John Berry, Grade 3-4
Arguably Queen’s most popular song, this rock-opera hit has been entertaining listeners since the 1970s. It’s arranged here for grade 3 string orchestra by John Berry. Includes parts for percussion and piano, and don’t forget the gong!
Calypso Sea by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 2.5
Feel the warm breezes of the islands in this lively original work. Emphasizing high 3 fingerings in the violins and violas, “Calypso Sea” contains traditional syncopated rhythms and pizzicato figures. Optional claves and guiro complete the groove and add a tropical flair.
Concerto a Cinque, Op. 7, No. 1 by Tomaso Albinoni/arr. J. Farrar-Royce, Grade 3
Everyone will keep busy on this happy, Baroque delight. Since it is a Concerto for the five (cinque) sections of the string orchestra, everyone has interesting and essential parts. As it tumbles through various chord progressions there will be accidentals, with some shifting in all parts except second violin and viola. Cellos and basses have a walking eighth note figured bass throughout which will keep them busy and happy. Tiered dynamics add exciting contrast, often supplying an echo effect, and your students will get some hooked bowing practice on the short adagio between two jaunty, brisk outer movements.
Firework arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 2-3
This hit recorded by Katy Perry is arranged here in a very effective setting for young strings by Robert Longfield. The piece builds intensity throughout to the familiar anthem-like chorus played by the entire ensemble. Sure to be an audience pleaser.
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen/arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 2
Recorded by such diverse artists as Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi and Justin Timberlake, Hallelujah was also heard in the movie “Shrek” and during the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Vancouver. Robert’s setting is just right for string groups who want to perform popular songs from artists they love.
A Hero’s Journey by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 3
“Whether fictional, mythical, or real role models, heroes have inspired, saved, sacrificed, and conquered.” Such are Soon Hee Newbold’s thoughts on this musical extravaganza. Soaring melodies combine with driving rhythms and harmonies, resulting in one of Soon Hee’s strongest works to date for this level. Your orchestra will enjoy exploring various timbres through the use of harmonics, pizzicato, and mutes. Fantastic and forever memorable!
Lyric Pieces by Edvard Grieg/arr. Robert D. McCashin, Grade 2.5
This three-movement arrangement is an excellent introduction to the masterful writing of Edvard Grieg. Selected from several earlier collections, these delightful pieces are not all formally “lyrical” – rather, they all feature the great melodic writing of a master composer in a short suite that is the perfect fit for the classical portion of your program.
Into the Sky by Brian Balmages, Grade 1
Using only quarter notes in all string instruments, this work is still able to portray the thrill of takeoff and flight. Fanfare-style themes combine with the energetic rhythms of the piano to give the music momentum and intensity. While piano is not required, it adds a great deal to the orchestration and will help your youngest of students feel like they are soaring. Fantastic!
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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.