SKU: KN.9997
UPC: 822795099973.
We welcome Joshua Reznicow to the Kendor family of writers with this festive original that sounds more difficult to play than it is. Written in G major and its relevant minor key, it gives directors a chance to teach both sharp and flat keys while using open strings to maintain a solid pitch center. Controlling bow speed and style using hooked bow, spiccato, and slurred techniques helps to drive the musical energy throughout. Short solos and a brief violin cadenza lead to a rewarding finish and allow more advanced players to showcase their skills. Duration ca. 3:40. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.9162
UPC: 822795091625.
Consisting of an aggressive opening, an expressive middle theme, and a dramatic recap, this sophisticated concert original maintains a vigorous tempo (quarter note = 126) throughout. Del Borgo uses a mix of scoring techniques and textures (double-stops, muted strings, pizzicato) to create a work that makes a big impression on players and listeners. Duration 3:20. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.36920
UPC: 822795369205.
Violas take center stage in this lovely piece, which emphasizes expressive legato playing in the key of G minor. Violas have the melody throughout! Duration 3:10.
SKU: KN.8963
UPC: 822795089639.
A wonderful overture for developing string orchestras.
SKU: KN.9996
UPC: 822795099966.
This popular Celtic melody has been framed in an unforgettable and lively interplay of parts. For the classically trained, Celtic music is the most appealing crossover into world styles for string players. Handed down through many generations of fiddlers by ear, this tune is extremely popular in Irish fiddle circles. Available in SmartMusic. The Junior (grade 2) and Senior (grade 4) editions of this arrangement interlock to create a multi-level edition that's perfect for all-district concerts and festivals. An interlocking score can be downloaded for free here.
SKU: KN.8718
UPC: 822795087185.
This entertaining Del Borgo original features the finger patterns and scale passages that are so important to young players. Very easy double stops create a strong, full sound and simple rhythms propel the piece to an energetic conclusion. Contrapuntal interlude gives each section a chance to play lead while providing essential textural contrast. An optional piano part is included.
SKU: KN.8237
UPC: 822795082371.
An excellent piece to introduce young string students to the regal Maestoso style.
SKU: KN.9206
UPC: 822795092066.
Where energy, humor, dance, a tinge of sorrow, and the joy to be alive meet -- that's where you'll find Klemzer music. This soulful melody with its spirited rhythms will animate your orchestra and bring your audience to its feet. The Junior (grade 2+) and Senior (grade 4) editions interlock to create a wonderful multi-level edition that's perfect for all-district concerts and festivals. Duration ca. 2:35. An interlocking score can be downloaded for free here. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.8108
UPC: 822795081084.
This five-part rondo showcases the high, middle and low registers of the orchestra in contrasting passages. A mix of majestic and lyrical themes adds to the overall appeal. If the optional percussion part for snare and bass drums is used, care should be taken to ensure that the string parts are clearly heard at all times. Duration 2:20. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.9249
UPC: 822795092493.
This will be a big hit with young groups since this kind of counterpoint relies on all players to carry melodic material. Then for extra fun, they also play the round backwards. This piece provides good training and experience in contrapuntal playing and makes an excellent choice for concerts. Duration ca. 3:30. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.8180
UPC: 822795081800.
Scored in D major, this winning march for first-year strings opens and ends with dramatic pyramid entrances from the bottom up -- cellos and basses first, then violas, then 2nd Violins, and finally 1st Violins. Rhythms are simple, bowings are clearly marked, and the optional percussion part for snare drum and bass drum enhances the parade-style theme. Duration 1:40.
SKU: KN.8143
UPC: 822795081435.
William Billings' illustrious hymn Chester is scored here in a very playable concert setting that allows for a full sound and interesting lines in all parts. The simple nobility of the melodic line and its strong, solid harmonies are major factors in the enduring popularity of this song. Duration 2:55. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.9941
UPC: 822795099416.
Jared Spears, composer of the classic piece, Dance Diabolique, brings us this new programmatic work. Inspired by his many visits to the beautiful Wind River wilderness area in northwestern Wyoming during his college days, it is a satisfying mix of serene, peaceful passages and bold, exciting themes, with colorful surprises around every corner. Duration ca. 3:25.
SKU: KN.8907
UPC: 822795089073.
This wonderful medley of three traditional Australian songs in contrasting styles is scored with 2nd Violin and viola playing the same part and cello and bass together on their part. Interesting program notes about the songs are provided in the score. Duration 2:30.
SKU: KN.9951
UPC: 822795099515.
This grade 4 arrangement contains selected themes from the 1st Movement of Symphony No. 41, K. 551. This was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's last symphony composed before his death, and clearly shows his brilliance as a composer. Mozart's adventurous approach to the material paves the way for Beethoven. Each set includes three copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. piano part. Duration 4:00.
SKU: KN.9221
UPC: 822795092219.
This arrangement of the Franz von Suppé classic is presented in cut time for players who have not been exposed to 6/8 time or find it difficult to manage. All the integrity of the original has been retained, however, to provide a positive musical and educational experience for all. Helpful fingerings and bowings by string specialist Amy Rosen are provided to assist young players. Duration 1:45.
SKU: KN.9462
UPC: 822795094626.
The Shaker hymn, Simple Gifts, is an arranger's delight because the tune lends itself so well to a wide variety of musical presentations. In this new version for student strings, an expressive middle section contrasts wonderfully with the more dramatic opening and closing sections. All parts are equally important, and the key of G puts young players in familiar territory.
SKU: KN.8731
UPC: 822795087314.
This holiday classic by Handel has been creatively arranged for string orchestras. Containing almost all the themes from Handel's Messiah, the block scoring will help younger players build confidence as they prepare to perform this arrangement. An optional piano part is provided.
SKU: KN.KEN10001
UPC: 822795100013.
This arrangement of one of the more joyous choral movements from Vivaldi's immortal Gloria will excite all sections of the orchestra. Everybody gets to play their fair share of the jaunty melody and interesting counterpoints, plus the chance to show off their hooked bowing skills. Duration 2:30. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.8203
UPC: 822795082036.
This sparkling medley features bell-like pyramid figures and clearly-marked articulations, dynamics and bowings to help young players deliver a truly festive performance. In his score notes, Caponegro says that every effort should be made to use the optional percussion instruments (bells and jingle bells) to enhance the seasonal flavor. Duration 2:50.
SKU: KN.9876
UPC: 822795098761.
This powerful example of Russian national influences on 19th-century string writing opens with a short, quiet Andante before the brisk Allegro (quarter note = 138) takes over, where a light feeling of momentum should prevail. An intensely exciting, fast-paced conclusion is guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet. Duration 3:30.
SKU: KN.KEN10083
UPC: 822795100839.
This powerful arrangement of the popular tone poem by Moussorgsky makes for a great festival selection. Different string articulations are employed to achieve orchestral color, and all parts share melodic material and chromatic passages. Duration 5:15.
SKU: KN.8462
UPC: 822795084627.
An excellent example of Baroque literature in a non-contrapuntal style, the parts in this setting are technically simple, thereby allowing directors ample time to work on concepts of musicality and interpretation during rehearsals. In his score notes, John also explains that in Handel's day this piece was typically played three times-- strings alone, winds alone, then strings and winds together-- and gives specific suggestions for directors interested in supplementing this edition with wind parts. An optional piano part is provided with each standard string set.
SKU: KN.9299
UPC: 822795092998.
Following a basic ABA scheme, this Mozart masterwork features all the Classical elements you'd expect -- a clear melodic line, strong countrapuntal parts, sonorous harmonies, dynamic contrasts, and a logical conclusion. Playing with rhythmic precision and good blend will help student groups achieve superior performance results at concert or contest time. Duration 5:35. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.8932
UPC: 822795089325.
This imaginative jazz waltz based on a standard blues chord progression will be a refreshing change-of-pace for any concert program and provides a great opportunity to teach students to swing 8th notes. Duration 3:00.
SKU: KN.8293
UPC: 822795082937.
This regal selection from the oratorio Judas Maccabeus by Handel is playable entirely in first position. Accidentals are few, phrasing patterns and rhythms are customary, and melodic duties are not limited to 1st Violins. To enhance the style and character of the music, John encourages directors to use the optional percussion part for snare and bass drums whenever possible. Duration 2:35. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.8277
UPC: 822795082777.
This lively piece focuses on three concepts: note-reading on the G string, combined quarter and eighth note rhythm patterns, and dynamic changes. Written in echo style, it's lots of fun to play and hear. Duration 2:00. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KN.37861
UPC: 822795378610.
A leading German composer of both instrumental and vocal music during the late Romantic era and 20th century, Richard Strauss achieved his fame with his tone poems for large orchestras, including Don Juan, Death And Transfiguration, Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, and Also Sprach Zarathustra. This accessible arrangement for string orchestra of famous themes from his tone poems offers an opportunity for young musicians to experience the power and beauty of Strauss' music. Duration 6:10.
SKU: KN.8490
UPC: 822795084900.
Scored in G and D, this simplified version of Beethoven's 9th Symphony theme features dramatic crescendos, clear bowing indications, and some pizzicato work for cellos and basses. It also assigns some lead material to 2nd/3rd Violins and violas, and finishes strong with a short ritard. A classic frequently included in Christmas performances. Duration 2:00.
SKU: KN.36010
UPC: 822795360103.
Experience the thrill of playing an authentic Mozart opera overture while developing spiccato bowing technique and left hand extensions through multiple key centers. At a lightning-fast tempo, students will feel the accomplishment of their hard work. Duration 2:35.
