New ORCHESTRA Titles for Young Musicians Thursday, September 14, 2023
Mind Games by Brian Balmages, Grade 1.5
This eerie composition employs colors rarely found at this level. Based on harmonic illusions where notes seem to drift out of context, the music introduces carefully placed low-1 fingerings. Perfect for contest yet also appropriate as a lighter work.
Lift Thine Eyes by Felix Mendelssohn/arr. Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 2
The music of “Lift Thine Eyes” comes from Part II of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah.” In the oratorio, it is sung by a trio of angels, sent down to instill hope. Ms. LaBrie arranged this work in honor of Sigrid Johnson, director of the Manitou Singers at St. Olaf College from 1983-2015.
Heavy Lifting by Chris Bernotas, Grade 2
Your cello and string bass sections take center stage in this rockin’ piece by Chris Bernotas. “Heavy Lifting” is a driving, hard-rock selection that gives everyone in the orchestra the opportunity to shine while highlighting the low strings. With FLEX parts available as a free download, this cello and string bass feature can highlight any instrument or group of instruments in the string orchestra. Perfect for your second-year players!
Shake, Shake, Shake by Ingrid Koller, Grade 1
“Shake, Shake, Shake” is a delightful level 1 string orchestra piece by Ingrid Koller that will keep everyone on their toes! Every section gets a turn to play the simple D major melody, and everyone gets a chance to be part of the rhythm section when it is their turn to play the shaker. This piece reinforces listening skills and ensemble playing, but more importantly, it is just plain fun!
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