Orchestra Recommendations by DEBORAH BAKER MONDAY Monday, November 25, 2024
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Bow Hunters by Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 1.5
Young musicians playing Bow Hunters are on a quest to play in the best part the bow! Whether slurring easy quarter notes, sustaining half notes and whole notes, or digging into the exciting eighth-note melody, players will get to effectively use every inch of bow hair, from the frog to the tip. The E minor melody gets passed around the orchestra, with opportunities to practice C-natural finger patterns in every part. A winner for building bow skills, and fun to play as well!
Salvation Is Created by Pavel Tschesnokoff/arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 2
Based on the stunning choral work by Pavel Tschesnokoff, “Salvation Is Created” is a powerful yet approachable lyrical arrangement. Arranger Deborah Baker Monday’s orchestration works exceptionally well for younger groups yet is quite appropriate for advanced ensembles, as well. An optional timpani part takes this to the next level.
Wintersongs arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 2
Set the stage for your holiday or winter concert with this easy yet enchanting arrangement from Deborah Baker Monday. “Wintersongs” will be a heartwarming addition to your holiday repertoire that you will use year after year.
Minuet and Bourrée (from Good Luck at Last) by Henry Purcell/arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 2
Minuet and Bourrée are two of nine dances, written for the stage, from Purcell’s 1679 stage work, “Good Luck at Last,” and have been delightfully arranged for your string orchestra by Deborah Baker Monday. Both movements are tuneful and offer each student exciting and engaging parts. A terrific selection for reinforcing 3/4 time and cut time. Minuet is in D major, and Bourrée is in E minor. Combined, they make a resonant and exciting selection for concerts or festivals.
Folksong Sketches by Ralph Vaughan Williams/arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 3
Deborah Baker Monday has created a delightful arrangement of two of the sections from the Ralph Vaughan Williams “Six Studies in English Folksong.” Originally composed for Cello and Piano, over the course of time the composer transcribed the music for a variety of instruments, so many people will be familiar with the melodies. Included are the flowing “Spurn Point” and the energetic “As I Walked Over London Bridge.”
Sonata in Trio No. 3 (Movements II, III, and VII) by Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre/arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 3.5
Monday’s stellar arrangement of “Sonata in Trio No. 3” showcases three of the seven movements of Guerre’s trio sonata in a seamless single movement. Rhythmically charged with syncopation and dotted rhythms, it’s an energetic work which gives all sections engaging parts. Cello and bass parts are written in octaves. A superb choice for festival performances.
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About the Author:
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!