Exhilaration: Programmatic Titles for Orchestra Tuesday, October 18, 2022
recommended by Eric Stratton and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists
Exhilaration by Cooper Ford, Grade 1
Many special experiences are joyful or thrilling, such as flying for the first time, a big sports moment, or the excitement of a first concert. Whatever it might be, Cooper Ford’s “Exhilaration” is a musical expression of the emotions that come from these memorable moments. Young musicians should find this both easily accessible and fun to play, as melodies are passed around to different sections while reinforcing foundational rhythms, notes within a D major scale, and playing with a big sound. Written with the young orchestra in mind, 2nd violin and viola parts are doubled, as well as cello and string bass.
Grand Pursuit by Michael Kamuf, Grade 2
Written to reinforce dotted quarter/eighth note patterns, “Grand Pursuit” by Michael Kamuf features contrasting melodies, bold harmonies, and a fun, groove-oriented development section that combine to create a piece both your students and audiences will enjoy.
Shadow Defenders by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 3
From the first note of this thrilling piece, a sense of suspense feeds an intense desire to protect and avenge, leaving listeners to wonder what is looming around the corner. Let students imagine a world of possibilities in this cinematic work, while developing their skills with independent rhythms, shifting, and interlaced syncopations that propel this journey through the shadows.
Mustang Triumph by Sarah Siegler, Grade 3
“Mustang Triumph” portrays a herd of wild mustangs galloping through the plains. Great for showing off the full tutti sound of your Orchestra!
Galaxy Jam by Caryn Wiegand Neidhold, Grade 1.5
Jam among the stars with “Galaxy Jam,” an inventive rock take on “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in E minor. The jam section encourages your students to be creative with instrument percussion improv and solos with suggested notes.
Artifacts by Kathryn Griesinger, Grade 1
This mysterious hunt for ancient artifacts reveals important pedagogical concepts, including staccato, accents, bow-lifts, pizzicato, dynamics, and 4th finger. Written in B minor with optional piano, violin 2 doubles viola and cello doubles bass for a full sound with only a little third position shifting in the bass. A skill-building concert selection!
Momentous by Brian Balmages, Grade 0.5-2
So many performance options and combinations! Equally suited as an opener or closer, this “Baroque-meets-contemporary” festival-style work has exceptional performance flexibility as a multi-level OR single-level work! Play it entirely as a grade 2 or play it as a grade 1. Additionally, both may be combined, and directors can add the grade ½ parts, which are based on open strings and limited first finger. Innovative and exciting!
Island Rhythms by Erica Donahoe/arr. J. Cameron Law, Grade 2
Imagine the easy feeling of a day at the beach, happily soaking in the sunshine! This delightful original piece uses rhythmic syncopations, percussion, and harmonies that evoke the feel of the different traditions found in the Caribbean islands. The happy and carefree opening theme takes a brief turn through the parallel minor partway through the piece – perhaps a tropical storm or shark-infested waters! The major key soon returns to take us back to our carefree day. Encourage students to emphasize the syncopations and rhythms that create this distinct sound, or they can try their hand at one of the percussion parts!
A Mission to Mars by Jeffery Frizzi, Grade 2
A great fast-paced and aggressive work for the string ensemble presented in three sections full of drama and intrigue. Driving rhythmic features will keep your musicians engaged and ready to play this one over and over.
Sunday Afternoon by R. Scott Whittington, Grade 2
A whimsical piece that appeals to all ages. Its bouncy rhythms and upbeat melodies evoke the feeling of wind rushing through our hair or the laughter of family members as games are played and memories are shared. The piece is targeted at advancing junior and intermediate string ensembles and works for young and mature players alike. One of the charms of this piece is the constant tug-of-war between triplets and the straight eighth notes. With its lilting, infectious themes, the work is spirited, fun to play, and will be a favorite with audiences and players alike.
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About the Authors:
Eric Stratton is the Jazz and Orchestra Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. From Westerville, OH, Eric received a Bachelor of Music in Classical Bass Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Otterbein University. On both electric and double bass, he plays in various groups around Columbus, including New Albany Symphony and Westerville Symphony orchestras. He enjoys listening to and playing many types of music, from jazz, pop, to rock and metal. Some of Eric’s favorite performance opportunities are in the pit orchestras of musical theatre productions. When Eric isn’t gigging or at Stanton’s, he enjoys playing video games, hanging out with his cats, performing repair and tech work on guitars, and going to local restaurants and breweries with friends.
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.