Spooky Strings! Frightful Halloween Repertoire for Orchestra Tuesday, September 17, 2024
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Shiver by Randall Standridge, Grade 0.5
Whether you are shivering from cold or shivering from fright this work for very beginning orchestras is sure to set the mood of your next Winter or Fall Concert. Using only 6 notes Randall Standridge has creatively designed a piece that reaches students at their skill level while letting them experiment with the fun technique of tremolo!
Mysterious Shadows by Amy Barlowe, Grade 3
This haunted dance in G minor will capture the hearts and souls of your students and their audiences. From its hypnotic opening to its swaying sicilienne rhythms, “Mysterious Shadows” has the power to transport its performers and listeners to mystical realms, while encouraging the kind of communication among players that heightens musical awareness and strengthens ties between instrumental sections. Imagination, as a key component of musical interpretation, can give practice, rehearsals, and every performance a new life. “Mysterious Shadows” will encourage your students’ imaginations to thrive while enabling the shadows lurking within this enchanting piece to shapeshift with every performance.
The Ghost of Lady Howard arr. Morgan Denney, Grade 3
This haunting arrangement of the ghostly English folk song “My Lady’s Coach” weaves together elements of suspense, tension, and mystery. Arranger Morgan Denney uses layered effects, including harmonics, sul ponticello, tremolo, and glissando, to tell the story of Lady Mary Howard’s spirit, doomed to travel in her phantom carriage for eternity. Eerie and compelling, “The Ghost of Lady Howard” is ideal for fall concerts or any time of year!
Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Dennis Eveland, Grade 2.5
“Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a wonderfully spooky piece that describes the haunting classic tale of the headless horseman. The legend of Ichabod Crane riding through Sleepy Hollow late at night has been told for centuries and remains a favorite ghost story for students to enjoy through literature or movie adaptations. Don’t be frightened, this piece is an excellent choice for your next concert!
Haunted Carnival by Jordan K. Hawkins, Grade 0.5
This spooky piece for beginning string orchestra uses just 5 notes! Explore the haunted shadows of a creepy carnival while introducing easy 3/4 time with your students. The celesta part adds a chilling effect, and can be played on piano as well. Perfect for Halloween and fall concerts, but fun to play any time of the year.
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!