SKU: CF.BAS88
ISBN 9781491164730. UPC: 680160923649. Key: G major.
Using just 6 notes, Arco Echo explores G major in first position using only easy quarter- and half-note rhythms. A smooth detaché call-and-response between upper and lower string sections will help young students learn to listen across the ensemble, building confidence in simple three-part harmony with doubled Violin 2/Viola and doubled Cello/Bass. Optional piano is included for additional support, making this a fun first venture into independent counting.Arco Echo is a lighthearted piece for beginning string orchestra. It falls within the range of the first-year player. Young musicians can work on basic detaché bowing skills with a nice mix of half- and quarter-note rhythms, including some rests and minimal dynamic changes. All of the sections get a chance to play parts of the melody with an echo game of call-and-response between upper and lower string sections. The harmonies are very clear and direct, resulting in a solid concert selection that will give the young orchestra a big, confident sound.
About Carl Fischer Beginning String Orchestra Series
This series of Grade 1 pieces is designed for first year string groups. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
SKU: CF.YAS52
ISBN 9780825863608. UPC: 798408063603. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D major.
This is a striking and original piece that builds interest and momentum using a four note cello and bass ostinato. Arco and pizzicato contrasts of texture and off-beat accents and rhythms sustain interest in this unusual selection, which puts minimal musical resources to maximum use.A Road Less Traveled is a musical journey based on four notes. The cellos and basses provide these notes in mm. 2 and 3. The piece explores some new compositional techniques for me, and in some sections can be considered minimalist. However, I constructed the piece in a very accessible manner. The individual rhythms create new composite rhythms when played together. It has a unique clockwork quality to it. The music morphs from arco to pizzicato at m. 49. The odd accents bring out some of the quirky quality to the music. A return to arco playing at m. 94 provides a recapitulation of the opening section. Upon return, some of the punchy music now becomes sustained for a dramatic climax. This piece was a real joy to work on, and illustrates “a road less traveled†in my compositional career.
About Carl Fischer Young String Orchestra Series
This series of Grade 2/Grade 2.5 pieces is designed for second and third year ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:--Occasionally extending to third position--Keys carefully considered for appropriate difficulty--Addition of separate 2nd violin and viola parts--Viola T.C. part included--Increase in independence of parts over beginning levels
SKU: FJ.ST6458S
English.
Based on the emotional Irish song, this thoughtful setting paints a picture of a man dreaming of the day he can return home. At times, the piece feels more like a fantasy than an arrangement as the melody weaves through an increasingly complex series of textures and harmonies before returning to the plaintive sounds of the opening.
About FJH Beginning Strings
Appropriate for first year string students. All instruments stay in first position, and optional third violin (viola) parts and piano are included to aid in rehearsal and performance situations. Grade 1 - 1.5
SKU: FJ.ST6458
UPC: 241444389324. English.
SKU: KJ.SO241F
One of today's foremost writers for band, Bruce Pearson, has composed two pieces for string orchestra with optional beginning recorder part. These two pieces, which are also in the Kjos book Excellence, are also available for concert band in the same keys, so that recorder, orchestra, and band can perform together. Violin, Viola, and Cello players use low first finger and Bass students need to be familiar with I! position.
SKU: CF.FAS2
ISBN 9780825840753. UPC: 798408040758. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: E minor.
Expressive playing, some simple counterpoint, and a touch of pizzicato characterize this contemporary sounding but accessible piece in two contrasting sections, slow and lively. Duration: 3'15.The definition of Air is a tune or melody, but often it is used to describe a piece that is lyrical in nature, as in the first section of this piece. The next section of the piece is called Caprice, which is the French word for capriccio. The term capriccio has been used as the title for a variety of different types of works throughout music history. It is used here in its literal definition which describes the fanciful, capricious nature of the second section of the piece.As part of the development of the piece, the minor material from the Air is used as bridge material in the Caprice section. The Air and Caprice should be very contrasting in style. Play the Air very sustained and chorale-like and the Caprice, light with forward motion. The tempo of the Caprice should not be too fast; however, the tempo can be adjusted down to accommodate the ability level of your ensemble. Bowings have not been over-marked, and no slurs are used; feel free to alter it if necessary.It has been my pleasure to have had the opportunity to write this piece. I hope that you and your students find it useful for your program.
SKU: CF.FAS11
ISBN 9780825845048. UPC: 798408045043. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: G major.
This outstanding original from Larry Clark can be played any time of year! A vigorous theme moves through all the sections and violas combine with second violins for prominent solo passages. A section in minor adds to the drama as strong rhythmic chords give way to a subdued tremolo in the first violins, reminiscent of Vivaldi's Winter This music reaches a level of intensity your players and audience will love.Out of the Winter is a musical depiction of the many moods of winter from its harsh storms to its simple beauty. The composition is based on a central main theme that is musically developed throughout the composition presented in and out of major and minor keys.The main theme begins right away without introduction and is set to depict the simple delicate beauty of a light falling snow. The theme is then developed in the minor key using simple contrapuntal techniques that give the composition a fresh sound for pieces at this grade level. The aggressive development of the piece is a musical description of a powerful winter storm. The tension of this section is built to a climax using simple divisi in the strongs and some poly-chordal harmonic techniques that give way to a final return of the main theme to complete the piece.Special care should be given to exaggerating the contrast between the two diverse sections of the piece. The main theme should be light and uplifting. The second section with the theme in minor should have an ominous presence, but still be reminiscent of the original light main theme. As with all of my compositions at this grade level, adjust the tempo to fit the ability level of your students. It is hope that this piece helps to reinforce the concepts of good musicianship which you are trying to instill in your students. Bowings should be used as a guide and should be adjusted to your needs.It has been my pleasure to have had the opportunity to write this piece. I hope that you and your students find it useful for your program.
SKU: CF.FAS133
ISBN 9781491164761. UPC: 680160923670. Key: D major.
Written within the range of the D-major scale, this adventurous piece uses only quarter, half, and whole notes. Frequent unison rhythms will help young players build confidence as they venture into independent harmonic lines and expanding dynamic range. With Violin 2 doubling Viola and Cello doubling Bass, the simple scoring and scale-based passages will give even a small ensemble a big, full sound. Melodic material is passed to all sections and players can practice maintaining a steady tempo during a brief pizzicato section. Have fun exploring!
SKU: CF.FAS133F
ISBN 9781491165164. UPC: 680160924073. Key: D major.
Written within the range of the D major scale, this adventurous piece uses only quarter, half, and whole notes. Frequent unison rhythms will help young players build confidence as they venture into independent harmonic lines and expanding dynamic range. With Violin 2 doubling Viola and Cello doubling Bass, the simple scoring and scale-based passages will give even a small ensemble a big, full sound. Melodic material is passed to all sections and players can practice maintaining a steady tempo during a brief pizzicato section. Have fun exploring!
