Drawing from a deep well of research and years of experience, conductor and teacher Tobin Stewart identifies fourteen essential qualities of great leaders – vision, humility, and passion, to name a few – and applies these to leadership on and off the podium.
He shares candidly about his own successes and failures, and offers practical strategies, stories, quotes, and reflection questions designed to build character and develop the intangible traits of effective, compassionate leaders.
Equally suited for personal or classroom use, “Leading as a Conductor: With Integrity of Heart and Skillful Hands” closes the gap between technique and the heart and soul of being a conductor. A must-read for instrumental and choral educators at any stage of their career.
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Angelic Star by Yukiko Nishimura, Grade 1.5 This grade 1.5 piece uses staccato articulations to depict the celestial twinkling of stars in the night sky. In bright D major, players get to explore the dance-like feeling of 3/4 time with a few new notes on the violin E string. A contrasting lyrical section presents a legato theme with easy slurs and beautiful harmonies between the sections. The sparkling piece ends with a return to the light opening motif, ending softly like the fading stars at dawn.
Colorful Sunrise by Yukiko Nishimura, Grade 1.5 “Colorful Sunrise” is the latest addition to the repertoire of developing String Orchestra by composer Yukiko Nishimura. This piece offers young musicians a chance to explore the harmonic intrigue that Nishimura is known for, allowing them to grow musically while having fun. “Colorful Sunrise” will give your students an opportunity to showcase their skills and provide them with a sense of accomplishment that will inspire them to keep playing.
The Flow of the Tide by Yukiko Nishimura, Grade 3 “The Flow of the Tide” by Yukiko Nishimura captures the feel of a flowing tide, mainly represented through the melodic line. Layers of harmony give the feeling of the tide’s ebb and flow, the splashing spray, and the sea’s changing colors. In addition to the feel of the waves, there is also a contrasting brightness and tenderness. Your orchestra will fall in love with the many moods of this stunning work.
Orchid Fantasy by Yukiko Nishimura, Grade 4.5 Yukiko’s musical sensibility is on full display in this lovely new work for the String Orchestra. Wonderful scoring and beautiful lines make this an enjoyable work for both the musicians and a captivated audience. Stretch the musicianship of your ensemble with this one!
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Alis Volat Propriis by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 5 A unique work with an opportunity to showcase an optional harp with your strings, “Alis Volat Propriis” (She Flies With Her Own Wings) is a stunning new work by Soon Hee Newbold. Contrasting sections with a lyrical melody and a driving presto section highlight different techniques and interesting lines among all voices. This piece captures elements of contemporary with the classical. An incredible work!
Salut d’Amour by Edward Elgar/arr. Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 4 This well-known and beloved melody has been exquisitely set for strings with beautiful lyrical lines shared by all voices of the orchestra. Originally titled Liebesgruss (“Love’s Greeting”), “Salut d’Amour” is one of Edward Elgar’s most loved and known works. Well crafted with a mature depth of orchestration, this arrangement by Soon Hee Newbold will be extremely memorable to your performers and audience.
Gravitas by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 3 A grand opening or closing piece for your next concert, “Gravitas” is a powerful work celebrating strength, beauty, and the journey that shapes us. Highly cinematic and inspirational, Soon Hee Newbold’s music includes soaring lines that will take your group to the next level as the adrenaline rushes in. Optional harp and percussion add even more!
“Gravitas” was commissioned by the Columbus Symphony Chamber Strings for their 40th anniversary. The title pays tribute to the organization’s impact and the area, and the larger than life presence of their founder, Dr. Robert Gillespie. Also available in an edition for Full Orchestra.
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!
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.”
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Flight of the Dynamic Drone by Jim Palmer, Grade 0.5 Now boarding: “Flight of the Dynamic Drone,” by Jim Palmer! Your first-year orchestra will soar with this exciting piece based on a D drone! Students get to practice intonation while experiencing a wide variety of dynamics. All instruments take flight with the melody and some pizzicato accompaniment. A perfect landing for your first concert.
Rise of the Bow-Bots by Richard Meyer, Grade 1 “Rise of the Bow-Bots” is a creative offering by Richard Meyer that will be as much fun to play as it will be to teach. The Bow-bots are alive and invading your orchestra room! This colorful selection is perfect for your students to work on their bow lifts, hooks, and slurs. Very simple note patterns (left hand) will allow young musicians to concentrate on their bowings (right hand), and the minor key and modal harmonies will set their imaginations wild as they picture the rise of “Megalift,” the “Hookinator,” and “Slurtron.”
Spotted Pony arr. Bob Phillips, Grade 1 This easy tune features all sections with clever rhythmic variations. Readily accessible and as easy to put together as any Bob Phillips fiddle tune arrangement, the traditional melody appears in all sections and may be taught aurally. Though its origin is unknown, “Spotted Pony” appears to have roots in the Ozarks in Missouri, Arkansas, or Texas. Fiddlers in the early 20th century claim to have learned it from their grandparents’ generation, so it most likely has been played since the late 19th century or earlier.
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Led by Brian Balmages, MakeMusic Publications seeks to publish outstanding composers of compelling band and orchestra music at all levels. Furthermore, all of the titles in the catalog are also available digitally and on MakeMusic Cloud (formerly SmartMusic).
Wheels of Fury by Chris Thomas, Grade 2.5 Buckle up for a pulse-pounding, high-octane adventure with “Wheels of Fury” by Chris Thomas! This piece is a powerhouse of driving rhythms, razor-sharp articulations, and soaring cinematic melodies. Unleash the epic drum kit, live or pre-recorded, to elevate the experience. Prepare for turbocharged action in a world where speed reigns supreme and victory is the ultimate prize.
A Jolly Jingle by Chris Thomas, Grade 1 This whimsical and spirited original work by Chris Thomas is infused with snippets from various holiday favorites and includes optional percussion to bring even more cheer. “A Jolly Jingle” is a fantastic way to usher in the holiday season and bring a bit of sparkle to your winter-themed concert.
Perpetuoso by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 2.5 This high energy yet playful work by Katie O’Hara LaBrie utilizes driving, constant eighth notes passed around from section to section. Though it outlines common scale and arpeggio patterns, “Perpetuoso” is quite unique. Subito dynamics, roaring crescendi, and memorable melodies make this an ideal choice for any program!
Graveyard Shift by Chris Thomas, Grade 3.5-4 Step into the eerie world of “Graveyard Shift,” a composition by Chris Thomas that invites you to dance with the shadows and embrace the supernatural. This piece offers an opportunity to learn shifting techniques while incorporating various spine-tingling sound effects, additional (optional) instrumentation, and vintage Halloween audio effects. Answer the spectral summons and become part of the graveyard shift, when the macabre seizes the stage and sinister strings mesmerize your audience.
Prelude and Fiesta by Erik Morales, Grade 4.5 Exploring rhythms and chord changes emblematic of Afro-Cuban music, “Prelude and Fiesta” moves from a spicy ballad to a depiction of a fiery Latin street festival. Erik Morales includes a full percussion section but also includes condensed parts that only use two players. Consider opening it up for soloists to shine. Stunning!
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!
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!
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
The First Noel arr. Yukiko Nishimura, Grade 3 “The First Noel” is an exciting new arrangement for String Orchestra that will bring a fresh and jazzy twist to your holiday program. Featuring vibrant harmonies and accessible rhythms, this piece is perfect for intermediate-level musicians looking to challenge themselves while still having fun. With its festive spirit and engaging melody, “The First Noel” is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a highlight of your upcoming concert.
The Christmas Tree Ship by Sarah Siegler, Grade 3 “The Christmas Tree Ship” was inspired by the fascinating historical account of a ship called the Rouse Simmons, nicknamed “The Christmas Tree Ship.” It sailed on Lake Michigan delivering Christmas trees from Michigan to families in Chicago in the early 1900s and its captain, Herman Schuenemann, was nicknamed “Captain Santa.” Enjoy this unique programmatic holiday piece!
Let the Bells Ring! arr. Robert Buckley, Grade 3-4 This up-tempo arrangement of the traditional “Ukrainian Bell Carol” adds new excitement to an audience favorite! In E minor, both the key and the range work well for young string players. This sparkling rendition brings satisfying challenges to young musicians, and will impress your audience!
A Silent Night in Scarborough arr. Tyler Arcari, Grade 1.5 “Scarborough Fair” and “Silent Night” are wonderfully beautiful works in minor keys. Who would have thought that mixing them together would work so well? Paired perfectly with the String Ensemble, arranger Tyler Arcari has woven these timeless classics together into a delicate and gorgeous new work.
Fantasia on Ukrainian Bell Carol arr. Susan H. Day, Grade 2 This popular holiday tune has had many iterations. In this unique Grade 2 version, its three main themes are arranged in a new and somewhat altered way, with the familiar melodic and rhythmic motifs passed around each section of the orchestra, resulting in a beautiful musical fantasy on the iconic carol. This piece has easy rhythms, 3/4 time throughout, keys of E minor and A minor, some accents, pizzicato, and 2 note slurs. Piano is optional.
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Race to the River’s Edge by Alan Lee Silva, Grade 3.5 Alan Silva’s music transports you to nostalgic venues and brings with it feelings of freedom and a sense of home. “Race to the River’s Edge” has us imagining ourselves at a time of more simple joy! This new work has all the trappings of a Silva masterpiece!
Tessellations by Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 2.5 Sean O’Loughlin cobbles together a tapestry of sounds for this new work for the developing String Orchestra. Written in 3/4 with rhythmic accents, this is a great introduction to both 3/4 and triple meter feel. A cinematic and exciting addition to your next String concert program!
Emerald Sky by Larry Clark, Grade 1 This fun new ballad from composer Larry Clark is written perfectly for the young String Orchestra. Engaging parts and lines across the ensemble will make this one they ask to play over and over. Whether for contest/festival or regular performance, “Emerald Sky” has something for everyone.
Breaking Free by Tyler Arcari, Grade 0.5 Written to describe the feeling of waking up after an annoying dream, “Breaking Free” is an intense concert opener. With semi-lyrical writing in the middle of the work, students will have an opportunity to show off their musicianship as well as their strong, aggressive playing.
Base-six (A Senary Quest) by Laura Estes, Grade 0.5 A bold and dynamic piece for the beginning String Orchestra’s first concert from composer Laura Estes. Drawing from her many years of teaching beginners, Laura has crafted a piece that students will love and their parents will not believe how great they sound at their very first concert. The title is derived from the use of only the first six notes of the E minor scale, clever!
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Brian Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, Toronto Centre for the Arts, and many more.
The Golden Gateway by Brian Balmages, Grade 3.5 Celebrate music and its ability to connect with communities around us! This joyful work by Brian Balmages is a powerful reminder of the many ways music inspires and invigorates. Beginning with a beautiful, heartfelt introduction, “The Golden Gateway” soon takes off in exuberant twists and turns before coming to a heroic conclusion.
Radiant Joy by Brian Balmages, Grade 4 A musical celebration of the human spirit, “Radiant Joy” is uplifting from the very first note. Brian Balmages includes subtle elements of fiddle music throughout as the work develops, moving through various styles with several twists and turns along the way. Inspiring!
Into the Shadows by Brian Balmages, Grade 2.5 Journey into a place where shapes constantly shift as the light moves, and nothing is quite as it seems. While very approachable for intermediate orchestras, “Into the Shadows” pushes harmonic boundaries and colors, ushering in a new realm of sonic possibilities. Creative, eerie, and exciting, this is Brian Balmages as you have never heard him!
Five Note Fiddler by Brian Balmages, Grade 0.5 Based entirely on just five notes (D through A), “Five Note Fiddler” is an ideal way to reinforce the D tetrachord while having a ton of fun in a fiddle-inspired setting. Brian Balmages playfully weaves the melody throughout the ensemble as the music unfolds. Surprisingly sophisticated in sound, yet highly approachable!
Dragon Pearl by Brian Balmages, Grade 1.5 Journey to a fantastical world where dragons defend a flaming pearl, representing everything from wisdom and power to prosperity and immortality. “Dragon Pearl” includes a stunning opening that reflects the gorgeous surface of the pearl. Soon after, the battle begins, highlighted by powerful rhythms, heavy accents, and aggressive harmonies. Incredibly playable yet stunning to hear, this work by Brian Balmages is sure to captivate students and audiences!
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Led by orchestra division editor, Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Randall Standridge Music Publishing‘s mission is to publish creative music of high quality by a broad range of compositional voices and backgrounds at all grade levels.
Ready the Castle by JaRod Hall, Grade 1 “Ready the Castle” tells the story of a castle under siege. Carefully introducing 6/8 meter with only the most basic rhythm patterns and a friendly range, this piece with its catchy melodies is a perfect choice for young string orchestras looking to make a bold statement.
Sunlight by Randall Standridge, Grade 1 Energetic and uplifting! From start to finish the melodies and rhythms in this original work by Randall Standridge convey a sense of optimism and energy, hopefully leaving the listener and player with a sense that all will be well. Written primarily using the notes of the D scale, with lot of opportunities for dynamic contrast, this piece is packed with great teaching moments.
Blue Sky Horizon by Randall Standridge, Grade 3 Uplifting and bursting with energy, this wonderful work combines driving motives, catchy rhythms, introductory shifting, and a pops-inspired feel to celebrate the moments when we can all find joy in our lives. Part of the “unBroken project” – a series of pieces pertaining to mental health.
Voyage of Odysseus by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 2 Embark on a musical odyssey as we take to the seas in the “Voyage of Odysseus!” This engaging theme and variations brings to life the epic adventures of Odysseus and his crew by seamlessly weaving Greek mythology and music together through different modes, time signatures and styles.
Acadian Solstice by Perry Holbrook, Grade 3 This pastoral composition joyously captures the summer splendor of Acadia National Park in Maine. Embrace lyrical playing through tone, vibrato, phrasing, and bow control. Highlight one of your violinists with sweet solo moments. “Acadian Solstice” stands out as an exquisitely beautiful work, versatile enough to shine as a lyrical festival piece or as a delightful addition to a lighter concert.
Imminent Danger by Jennifer E. Rose, Grade 3 Alert! Alert! This new work for string orchestra and electroacoustic accompaniment by Jennifer E. Rose combines rhythmic interest and dramatic dynamic changes with the textures provided by the electronic backing track. Your students are sure to be intrigued and invigorated by the sense of danger and daring that this piece evokes!
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!
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.
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Moroccan Nights by Erica Donahoe, Grade 3.5 This piece brings to mind a fun and exciting walk down a city street. Music comes in and out in various styles all joyous and exhilarating. A fun work for musicians and audiences alike, this one is sure to be a hit at your next concert!
Emerald Spring arr. Erica Donahoe, Grade 1.5 “Emerald Spring” is perfect for a spring concert. Opening with a melodic air and finishing with a rollicking jig, students and audiences will enjoy the variety offered here. Students have the opportunity to work on lush harmonies and vibrato in the slower section and then explore 6/8 in the jig section of the piece.
Alpine Glory by Erica Donahoe, Grade 1 Capturing the picturesque beauty of the Swiss Alps, this lush, beautiful piece will help your young players develop a mature sound. With lots of opportunities to practice legato bowing and perhaps some early vibrato, cultivate a rich and warm sound with a piece that gives every player a moment to shine!
The Jolly Roger by Erica Donahoe, Grade 1.5 Argh! Walk the plank with this adventurous new work for the String Orchestra. Erica Donahoe takes us on a sea-faring adventure with great opportunities for each section to shine. This is a winner!
Pine Tree Polka by Erica Donahoe, Grade 2 This clever work uses Christmas carols as the motivic verve for this new arrangement by Erica Donahoe. Pocketed around the original Polka, carols peak out from behind the pine branches like ornaments. Your musicians and audiences will have a lot of fun with this one!
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Mysteria Abyssi by Kirt Mosier, Grade 3.5 “Mysteria Abyissi” was written to evoke the mysteries of the deep as the ethereal scoring takes the listener into the dark areas of the ocean. The optional celesta adds the magical sparkling quality of bioluminescent underwater creatures.
Ariana by Peter Blair, Grade 3 “Ariana” seamlessly blends the beauty of the string orchestra with the captivating harmonies of a jazz ballad. With its lush and expressive melodies this piece will showcase the sophisticated and elegant side of your ensemble.
Prairie Sky by Robert Buckley, Grade 3-4 Let your strings soar through the expanse of the “Prairie Sky” by Robert Buckley. This energetic composition captures the beauty and majesty of open landscapes. With a contrasting slower middle section, lush harmonies, and sweeping syncopated melody, “Prairie Sky” transports performers and audiences alike to the heart of nature’s splendor. Elevate your ensemble’s repertoire with the captivating allure of “Prairie Sky” and create a memorable performance!
Compassion by Rossano Galante, Grade 3 “Compassion” sets the tone for love and loss. Written in memory of Bryan T. Doll Jr., a 14-year-old boy who lost his life. The introduction incorporates a gentle string passage featuring a chordal and cerebral texture. The violins state the main theme, accompanied by lush string harmony. The accompaniment becomes rhythmically busier as the piece develops, incorporating arpeggiations and ostinati. After reaching its climax, the composition concludes just as it began, with quiet and chordal strings, bringing this musical offering to an emotional close. This composition was written to draw attention to and raise awareness about bullying in school.
Fury by Chris M. Bernotas, Grade 2 “Fury” is an exhilarating piece that will excite and energize your intermediate string orchestra. It features angular rhythms, strong melodic lines for all, and intense energy that will keep students on the edge of their seats. Whether played at a contest, as a concert opener or closer, this piece will leave a lasting impression.
Falling Into Starlight by Matt Arnett, Grade 1.5 This beautiful selection provides an opportunity to feature multiple students on short 1 and 2 measure solos that are interwoven into the tapestry of the music. There is a lot of flexibility in how the solos are distributed so you can easily adapt this piece to fit the needs of your ensemble. This is a gem!
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Agent Arco: Licensed to Trill by Vince Gassi, Grade 2.5 Chills, spills, and trills! Agent Arco faces her most dangerous assignment yet. Being licensed to trill is one of many skills she must use judiciously. Up bow, down bow, you name it, she’s on the case. Rhythmic and pulsating, tuneful and harmonically interesting. Why not add a touch of suspense to your next program with Vince Gassi’s “Agent Arco: Licensed to Trill”?
Chasing Dreams by Chris M. Bernotas, Grade 1.5 With its energetic rhythms and soaring melodies, “Chasing Dreams” by Chris M. Bernotas brings your string players into a world of imagination and wonder. This uplifting work empowers students to embrace their passions and discover the joy of following their dreams. All sections have melodic features. This is an exciting opener or closer and perfect for concert and contest.
Incredible Voyage by Michael Hopkins, Grade 3 “Incredible Voyage” by Michael Hopkins is a lively and energetic piece for intermediate orchestra that depicts an epic journey through the galaxy to visit new worlds. All the parts have interesting melodic material. The music features changing time signatures and modulations. It is an excellent piece for teaching a variety of bow speeds and articulations. Violin 1 shifts to 3rd and 4th position. Cello shifts to 4th position and bass to 3rd position. Violin 2 and viola parts are playable in 1st position.
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!
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
In Winter by Antonio Vivaldi/arr. Todd Parrish, Grade 2.5 This creative arrangement develops the iconic rhythmic motif from first movement of Vivaldi’s Winter from his set of concerti, “The Four Seasons.” Arpeggiated patterns in the lower strings realize the implied harmonies from the original score, spreading this energetic rhythm throughout all the sections of the orchestra. Students will have the opportunity to refine staccato bow technique and play with balance between parts in the key of G minor, with just a few easy accidentals. This imaginative take on a classic winter theme is suitable for winter concerts, or any other time of year.
Zarabanda (Spanish Dance No. 3) by Enrique Granados/arr. Eric B. Davis, Grade 2.5 “Zarabanda” by Enrique Granados comes from his set of “12 Spanish Dances,” most often performed on guitar. This third dance, also called a fandango, is particularly well-suited for string orchestra with a beautifully elegant melody and upbeat dance feel, combining the style of flamenco with the classical tradition of the time period. Articulations, particularly the contrast of staccato and legato bow styles, offer a fun and light performance with many dynamic, melodic, and rhythmic variances.
March of the Marionette by Charles Gounod/arr. Caryn Wiegand Neidhold, Grade 3 This familiar sneaky theme was originally composed for solo piano by French composer Charles Gounod in 1872, as a bit of joke about a particular music critic. The mysterious and foreboding motif has since been used in film and TV, most notably as the theme for the show “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.” This string orchestra arrangement skillfully weaves the ominous melody into all sections, retaining the original D minor key with the traditional change to the parallel D major in the middle. Players will experience various accidentals in 6/8 meter, with minimal shifting in first violin and cello. With the ghostly whimsy of a danse macabre, this scary classic is perfect for your fall or Halloween concert!
Contredanse (from L’Amont Anonyme) by Joseph Bologne/arr. Cooper Ford, Grade 2 Composed in the late 1700’s, this delightful Contredanse comes from Joseph Bologne’s only surviving opera, “L’Amont Anonyme.” Originally for chamber orchestra, this arrangement is accessible to developing players while maintaining the spirit and integrity of the piece. A wonderful opportunity for young musicians to experience Bologne’s music!
Fossils and Finale (from Carnival of the Animals) by Camille Saint-Saëns/arr. Todd Parrish, Grade 2.5 “Fossils and Finale” combines two of the better-known movements from the humorous “Carnival of the Animals” by Camille Saint-Saëns. The quirky Fossils with optional xylophone is written to be more accessible for intermediate students, segueing seamlessly into the circus-like Finale. Both movements feature bright, fun melodies within playable ranges and keys for the developing ensemble and the original piano part integrated into the string parts.
Finale from Symphony #38 (Prague) by W.A. Mozart/arr. Robert Debbaut, Grade 4 Nicknamed “Prague” after the city of its premiere, Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 followed quickly after the resounding success of his opera “The Marriage of Figaro,” which also premiered in 1786. This arrangement functions much like a concerto grosso with string soloists performing the woodwind parts, accompanied by tutti string sections and timpani, just as Mozart penned them. As such, it is a great teaching tool for Classical style playing and an opportunity to feature your top players in a brilliant piece of timeless repertoire.
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!
Majoring in Music: All the Stuff You Need to Know by Rich Holly Highlights the major components for survival and success during the formative years in a college, university or conservatory and provides examples and strategies to greatly assist the student musician. With no-nonsense advice and practical tips, this guide will prepare music students (and their parents!) to meet the many challenges, and take advantage of the opportunities afforded them during the glorious college years.
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Habits of a Successful String Musician, 2nd Edition by Christopher Selby & Scott Rush “Habits of a Successful String Musician, Second Edition” is a complete method of over 400 musical exercises for teaching upper-level string students the technical skills needed to play advanced orchestral music. Perfect for an entire string orchestra or solo player, this series contains carefully sequenced warm-ups, sight-reading etudes, rhythm vocabulary studies, chorales, tuning canons, and much more. It includes everything an aspiring string musician needs to build musicianship skills and then transfer those skills into the performance of great literature.
What’s NEW in the Second Edition? • Part I. Tone and Articulation: The open-string exercises and bowing variations remain invaluable tools for teaching articulation skills. The Second Edition now includes a rhythm canon for combining various articulations and new melodic exercises for developing tone, blend, vibrato, spiccato, and sautillé. • Part II. Left Hand Patterns, Positions, and Shifting: Left-hand exercises are now organized into a sequence of musical exercises and etudes that review middle level skills, extend up to the highest registers, and teach alternate clefs and thumb position. A new Intermediate Positions curriculum teaches young cellists the shifting skills required for keys with more than three sharps or flats. A new sequence of two-octave arpeggios in ten keys improves students’ range and fluency across the instrument. The Advanced Positions pages contain new etudes for teaching the chromatic scale, diminished arpeggios, harmonics, thumb position, alternate clefs, and other challenging skills seen in advanced orchestral repertoire. • Part III. Scales, Arpeggios, and Thirds: This section still has the much-loved tuning canons and chords, dominant arpeggios, and thirds, as well as one-, two-, and three-octave scales and arpeggios in all twelve major and minor keys. The Second Edition has improved cello and bass fingerings and includes bass scales with C-extensions. • Part IV. Chorales: There are now 50 percent more chorales in a greater variety of keys and from more diverse cultural backgrounds. • Parts V. Rhythm Study in a Musical Context and VI. Sight-Reading: These sections contain 185 completely new rhythm charts and sight-reading exercises with tempo markings for each exercise. This well-sequenced curriculum teaches students how to count and decipher rhythms and then transfer rhythmic literacy to melodic sight-reading in a musical context. • Part VII. Orchestral Excerpts: This brand-new section includes three pages of excerpts from frequently performed school and all-state repertoire. Sequenced from moderately difficult to expert, these excerpts are the perfect culmination of skills taught in this method and are ideal for auditions or final exams. • Additional Sectional Pages in each student book focus on technique and alternate clef lessons unique to each instrument.
Habits of a Successful Young String Musician by Sarah Ball, Margaret Selby, Christopher Selby & Scott Rush “Habits of a Successful Young String Musician” is a field-tested and musical collection of 220 sequenced exercises for the beginning string student. The companion website (www.habitsstrings.com) features supplemental resources including accompaniment tracks, start-up clinic videos, and full performance videos for each exercise in the book. These cutting-edge online components are on MusicFirst (PracticeFirst) and MakeMusic Cloud (SmartMusic).
What makes “Habits of a Successful Young String Musician” unique?
Tone is at the heart of this method. • Students begin using the bow earlier than other resources. • The familiar melodies enable students to use their ears to develop good pitch and tone. • Online videos allow students to see and hear professional string players modeling good tone and technique for each exercise.
Tonal literacy is a key focus of this book. • All four open strings are introduced early. • New notes are introduced with clear fingerboard diagrams and pictures next to the staff. • New keys are taught by highlighting notes affected by the new key signature.
Rhythmic literacy exercises will have your students counting and reading independently. • Long notes and rests are introduced early so students learn to count and subdivide. • Melodies in 3/4 appear early and often. • Nine pages of sight-reading exercises develop stronger tonal and rhythmic literacy skills.
Quality content includes: • High-quality photos of excellent hand positions to help students develop great technique. • A diverse repertoire of classical and folk melodies from around the world. • Warm-up pages with scales, arpeggios, tuning canons, bowing variations, and other great tools for introducing, teaching, and reinforcing skills.
Online resources (www.habitsstrings.com) include instructional videos by professional string coaches to reinforce instrument position, left-hand set-up, bow hand technique, hooked bows, slurs, developing good tone, as well as shifting and positions in the lower strings.
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!
Don’t miss these favorite selections featured on the Stanton’s Reading Session at the 2024 String Teacher Workshop at Ohio State University. The workshop runs from Sunday July 7-Saturday July 13 and is available in TWO formats: IN-PERSON or ONLINE ONLY. Find out more at music.osu.edu/outreach/osu-stw.
The Golden Gateway by Brian Balmages, Grade 3.5 Celebrate music and its ability to connect with communities around us! This joyful work by Brian Balmages is a powerful reminder of the many ways music inspires and invigorates. Beginning with a beautiful, heartfelt introduction, “The Golden Gateway” soon takes off in exuberant twists and turns before coming to a heroic conclusion.
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!
The Flow of the Tide by Yukiko Nishimura, Grade 3 “The Flow of the Tide” by Yukiko Nishimura captures the feel of a flowing tide, mainly represented through the melodic line. Layers of harmony give the feeling of the tide’s ebb and flow, the splashing spray, and the sea’s changing colors. In addition to the feel of the waves, there is also a contrasting brightness and tenderness. Your orchestra will fall in love with the many moods of this stunning work.
(De)composition by Caryn Wiegand Neidhold, Grade 2 The music is falling apart! Or is it? This creepy-crawly composition starts deep underground in the cello and bass sections with an ominous theme, soon joined by the creaking, scratching, and screeching of unearthly noises from the rest of the zombie orchestra. Skittering fingertips, scratchy ponticello, and eerie glissandi are just a few of the fun extended techniques players will encounter in this scary venture into the dissonance of music – decomposingg!
Realizing Diversity: An Equity Framework for Music Education by Karen Howard Questions abound about diversity in music education. How can we engage with diverse populations, repertoire, and identities while upholding integrity and achieving equity? What are cultural appropriation, othering, tokenizing, and essentializing? How can we avoid bias in our teaching and repertoire selection? How do we create a more socially just music education?
These are critical questions with accessible answers. But if we are to become better music educators, we must reflect on these questions, our own identities, and our relationships with the music and people of the world.
“Realizing Diversity” by Karen Howard is a groundbreaking and practical resource for crafting diverse and anti-bias music education in classrooms, ensembles, and studios at all levels—from preschool to university and community settings.
At the book’s core is an Anti-Bias Framework intended to help music educators gain confidence and comfort in designing music curricula that are just, equitable, and make participants feel safe and welcome. Structured around the four social justice domains of identity, diversity, justice, and action, this framework explores topics of anti-racism, gender and sexual identity, power and privilege, disabilities, economic realities, empathy, and critical consciousness.
Dr. Howard also includes discussion of educational movements in United States history, the challenging “world music” label and related authenticity, the hyper-prevalence of Western Eurocentric music, inclusive repertoire selection, as well as appendices with critical practices for educators and a sample curriculum.
An indispensable book for pre-service, beginning, and veteran music teachers of toddlers through adults, “Realizing Diversity” considers the many separate but deeply interrelated questions related to creating a more socially just music education.
About the Authors: Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.
