Moto Perpetuo: Fast and Fun Titles for Orchestra Wednesday, January 18, 2023
recommended by Maureen Driscoll and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists
Moto Perpetuo by David Bobrowitz, Grade 2.5
This work for strings has a lot to say and even more opportunities to teach. Delicate bowing considerations will help strengthen legato bowing on the offbeats as well as reinforce staccato and pizzicato. Each section has meaningful material. A useful teaching piece that will sound great in performance too!
Firestorm by Liam Ramsey-White, Grade 3
This fiery piece for string orchestra depicts the ferocity of an out-of-control blaze. Constantly alternating between 4/4 and 3/4, the melody is passed throughout the orchestra like a fire jumping across an asphalt road. An unrestrained staccato ostinato continues relentlessly under the wildly fluctuating melody, building toward an explosive finale.
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.
Midnight Storm by Erica Donahoe, Grade 2.5
Written in G minor and using primarily the pentatonic scale, students will love the dark and brooding sound of this piece. Cello and Bass players are featured throughout with exciting bass lines that define the piece. The entire orchestra will have lots of opportunity to work on articulations and string crossings, in addition to the more complex finger patterns required by G minor.
Thundersnow by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 2.5
Imagine being in the midst of a blizzard. Snow swirling and blowing everywhere! Then suddenly, out of nowhere… BOOM! It’s “Thundersnow!” This new work for string orchestra is sure to excite and impress both students and audiences alike!
Cathode Rays by Matthew Gelfer, Grade 2
This original work explores the dark and rich timbre of the string orchestra. Heavily syncopated rhythms and sharp dynamic contrasts drive the intensity of this work, making it a clear choice for engaging young musicians. “Cathode Rays” is a great teaching piece for three and four-note slurs as well as fingering patterns in the key of A minor.
Beathoven by Stephen Spottswood, Grade 4
This hip-hop orchestration incorporates technology and should be played with the audio track (mp3 download) and a speaker. “Beathoven” cleverly combines hip-hop and classical styles. The result is a head bopping, rhythm rocking ensemble piece that ebbs and flows between the 18th century and the 21st century. Teachers can focus on syncopated rhythms, the pentatonic scale, playing with a staccato bow stroke, and making a contrast in dynamics.
The Lost City by Seth Gamba, Grade 2
“The Lost City” will inspire your students to create a musical story about ancient and forgotten civilizations. “The Lost City” is proud and grand, with sweeping landscapes and a strong sense of an older time. The musical tale will engage imaginations as the students perform. “The Lost City” explores E natural minor without accidentals. Two-part writing allows all instruments to play melody and harmony. Some independent movement creates depth and passing tones. The music’s character results from accents, slurs, hooked bows, and E minor tonality, which will bring “The Lost City” to life for your string orchestra.
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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.