Star of County Down: Folk-Inspired Picks for ORCHESTRA Monday, September 08, 2025
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Star of County Down arr. Mekel Rogers, Grade 1
An accessible arrangement of a famous Irish folk tune, perfect for young players. Featuring unison low strings and a treble clef substitute viola part, it’s ideal for string orchestras of all sizes while maintaining an authentic sound. Perfect for introducing students to traditional folk music!
Miss Admiral Gordon’s Strathspey by Dan Adams, Grade 3.5
Bring the charm of Scottish dance to your ensemble with “Miss Admiral Gordon’s Strathspey.” Capturing the unique “Scottish Snap” rhythms and spirited style of this traditional tune, the arrangement offers accessible yet engaging parts for all players. Perfect for concerts or festivals, it delights with its distinctive character and cultural flair.
Songs of the British Isles arr. Patrick Roszell, Grade 1.5
Based on the folk songs “Down by the Salley Gardens” and “I Know Where I’m Going,” “Songs of the British Isles” by Patrick Roszell is a lush and lyrical setting that is perfect for teaching lyrical playing to your younger players. This setting provides numerous teaching opportunities for slurring, legato bowing, phrasing, intonation, and dynamic shaping. A welcome addition to your program.
The Mamou Two-Step arr. Richard Webb, Grade 3.5
Cajuns are the descendants of Catholic French Canadians whom the British Empire expelled from the captured French territory of Acadia (modern-day Nova Scotia and its surrounding areas) in the 18th century. They emigrated to an area of rural south Louisiana, territory owned by France prior to the Louisiana Purchase, which the new settlers called “Acadiana.” Modern Cajuns maintain connections to their heritage and culture through the French language and dialect, their cuisine, and their music. “The Mamou Two-Step” is named after the Louisiana town of Mamou, given the epithet of “The Cajun Music Capital of the World.”
Pine Mountain by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 1.5
Get ready to stomp your feet and capture the enduring spirit of the Appalachian Mountains! This original fiddle tune by Katie O’Hara LaBrie uses a fun pentatonic melody supported by cool effects such as double stops, chopping with the bow, and slapping the bass. “Pine Mountain” is certain to be a good time!
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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!