News & Views Saturday, December 21, 2024

New Festive Holiday Picks for STRINGS Thursday, October 31, 2024

recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist

All Is Calm, All Is Bright arr. Peter Blair, Grade 3
Peter Blair has drawn on his jazz experience to craft a unique and memorable treatment of “Silent Night.” Lush chords and expressive lines combine to create a beautiful backdrop for the simple and elegant melody.

Christmas Overture by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor/arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 3-4
The composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor achieved such success in his life that he was called “the African Mahler” by his contemporaries. This arrangement for string orchestra by Robert Longfield uses music from the opening and coda of Coleridge-Taylor’s 1925 Christmas Overture (based on “Good King Wenceslas” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”) to provide an appropriately festive piece for any holiday concert!

Frosty the Snowman arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle, Grade 2
This light-hearted arrangement of “Frosty the Snowman” is very approachable and includes melodic material that weaves its way throughout the ensemble. Carrie Lane Gruselle has also added optional easy percussion, which is quite effective, especially in the fun, jazzy swing finale that students and audiences will love.

Nightmare on the Housetop by John Pasternak, Grade 0.5
This clever arrangement takes the beloved carol “Up on the Housetop” and turns it upside down with a spooky twist. Perfect for introducing your very early players to the minor scale and a fresh new work for those first concerts!

Deck the Halls with Bows and Rosin arr. Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 0.5
The perfect first winter concert piece for your beginners, “Deck the Halls with Bows and Rosin” is incredibly fun and hits all major beginning skills, including pizzicato, arco, and even rosining the bow! Katie O’Hara LaBrie uses only three-part writing, limited ranges, and simple rhythms to ensure this piece is accessible to new musicians and fun for all!

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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!

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