Island Rhythms: World Music for Orchestra Wednesday, December 21, 2022
recommended by Maureen Driscoll and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists
Island Rhythms by Erica Donahoe/ed. 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!
The Monkey Temple at Jaipur by Steven L. Rosenhaus, Grade 3
“The Monkey Temple at Jaipur” is an emotional response to the breathtakingly beautiful Hindu temple complex outside the capital city Jaipur in the Rajasthan state of India, and the estimated more than 600 rhesus macaque and langur monkeys that inhabit it. The music uses elements of Indian classical music, raga, to convey the beauty of the temple itself and the liveliness of its simian inhabitants. This is very different and rewarding music that will liven up any program, and could be used to enhance discussions of non-Western cultures.
Andalusian Adventure by Erica Donahoe, Grade 3.5
Incorporating musical elements from Flamenco music as well as the Tango, “Andalusian Adventure” will take your orchestra on a musical journey across this rugged area of Spain. With driving eighth notes and rhythmic intensity, students will enjoy digging into this exciting piece.
Les Matadors by Ignatius Sancho/arr. Dión Morales, Grade 1
“Les Matadors” represents an English country dance from Ignatius Sancho’s “Minuets Cotillons & Country Dances for the Violin, Mandolin, German Flute, & Harpsichord”, published in 1775. Sancho’s original Les Matadors piece is accompanied only by a second instrument in quarter and half notes. Dión Morales arranged “Les Matadors” in celebration of a composer of color through two-part writing in D major for string orchestra, exploring varied dynamics and conversations between groups of two instruments. Accents and melodic skips hold the students’ attention as they learn 2/4 time. Students’ imaginations will create a matador, in his colorful and grand traje de luces or “suit of lights,” posturing with the bull in the arena. Your students will love performing Dión Morales’s arrangement of “Les Matadors,” a level 1 English country dance for string orchestra.
Fandango Asturiano (from Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34) by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov/arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 4
Sure to liven up any concert, the 5th and final movement from “Capriccio Espagnol” is a fiery Spanish dance, colorful and rich from start to end. This arrangement features 3 optional percussion parts (triangle, castanets, crash cymbal). A Major. Position work required.
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About the Authors:
Maureen Driscoll is the Orchestra Music Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. Originally from the Cleveland area, she attended Miami University in Oxford to study Music Education. After graduating in 2017, Maureen spent five years teaching middle and high school orchestra in Cincinnati-area public schools. A lifelong violinist, she likes to perform with community orchestras and play gigs to keep herself busy. When she’s not working or performing, Maureen enjoys exploring nature, playing video games, baking, and spending time with her boyfriend and two cats.
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.