Battle of the Bows: Recruiting Titles for Orchestra Wednesday, April 19, 2023
recommended by Eric Stratton and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists
Battle of the Bows by Chris Thomas, Grade 2.5
Experience a contest of strength, bravery, and determination. With constant momentum and energy, the music explores a range of articulations and dynamics as each section competes for supremacy. Bravado, dynamic contrast, independence, and excitement – it is all here and ready to showcase your orchestra!
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.
Call of Heroes by Christian A. Williams, Grade 1.5
Reminiscent of the exciting call-to-battle themes of our favorite action and superheroes, “Call of Heroes”, with its driving rhythmic pulse, aims to stir the blood and call every hero to action.
Sea Squall by Eric B. Davis, Grade 3
“Sea Squall” is about the journey of a ship traveling across turbulent seas. As the piece progresses, variations of the primary theme change like the winds: sometimes calm and safe, sometimes stormy and powerful. Contrasting dynamics and articulations undulate like an unpredictable storm on the high seas.
Sea Shanty Saga (A Miniature Suite) arr. Tyler Arcari, Grade 3.5
Who would have thought that sea shanties would have caused a huge social media craze? These three classic yet timely shanties are scored for String Orchestra. These are also perfectly suitable for festival performance in addition to the countless other applications of this fun and energetic music!
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About the Authors:
Eric Stratton is the Jazz 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.