All For Strings Book 2: String Ensemble

The composer writes:Pilgrim was inspired it will be no surprise to learn by reading Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress - Vaughan Williams's great opera on the subject had fascinated me from its first performance yet it was a long time before I caught up with this essential item in any well-stocked library of English classics. It made a great impression not least because of its theme of a journey of self-discovery and a rediscovery or renewal of faith. These are ideas which have a strong interest for me not in religious terms but in their application to every aspect of human life (including great journeys) and this piece reflects my response in musical terms to this concern. The tempo of the whole piece which lasts about 18 minutes is basically slow. There are two quick episodes but these act somewhat like the trio sections of a classical scherzo save that the tempo relationships are inverted (the classical trios would have been slower not quicker) and the canvas is much larger being that of a single substantial slow movement. The form of the whole is perhaps fantasia-like rather than having any relationship to classical forms such as sonata or rondo - some motifs and themes are varied as the work develops and the opening chords are of primary importance throughout the work. There has been no attempt to convey any pictorial elements deriving from Bunyan's great book. There is however one feature which upon completion of the score struck me with some force which is that almost all the thematic material is essentially striving upwards - there is a constant upward movement (sometimes over a lengthy period) throughout the work. Pilgrim was commissioned by the Luton Music Club for the Raphael Ensemble with funds provided by the Eastern Arts Board and Bedfordshire County Council and is dedicated to the Luton Music Club. The first performance was given in Luton on February 10th 1997 and followed as part of a joint scheme by performances in the same week at the Music Clubs of Bedford and Leighton Buzzard.

The A Flying Start for Strings series presents a carefully graded sequence of music for teaching the beginning string player. The books are suitable for teaching individuals or groups of the same instrument. Many tunes in the series for violin viola and cello are in the same key and can be played together.Teachers can use this versatile series in a way that suits their own teaching style. There is ample room in all books for the teacher wishing to add more dynamics slurs bowing signs tempos instructions or explanations. The large easy-to-read notes and clear and simple layout help students concentrate on the notes they are learning. Lively folk and traditional tunesmake learning fun and lead to confident playing.With only one tune on most pages the young student gains a sense of achievement from turning the pages quickly and moving on.Book 2 starts with D string tunes to consolidate reading skills and provide the most comfortable pitch for singing. Students progress from one-string tunes to two-string tunes. The book introduces slurs simple dotted rhythms and dynamics. There is a page of bowing variations with rhythms and bowings to apply to a scale arpeggio or melody. Ensemble playing is brought in with canons and rounds.

Intermediate Level - Teacher's Manual-Supplement your beginning string curriculum with this new ensemble series from the authors of Essential Elements 2000 for Strings. Essential Musicianship - Ensemble Concepts is a two-level series correlatedwith Essential Elements 2000 that will reinforce your students' developing skills with solid beginning rounds and easy arrangements. All are designed to supplement method instruction and are organized around the keystaught in Essential Elements 2000 Books 1 and 2. In addition each book provides a wealth of beginning and intermediate performance materials (over 35 rounds/arrangements in each book). Alsoavailable:Ensemble Concepts - Fundamental Level(HL00960186 - 00960191)

Accompaniment-The Tricks To Tunes series is designed for teaching mixed string instruments in groups. It is a systematic program developed over many years from many years experience teaching strings in schools. The tutors are aimed at the primary and lower secondary school age group but are also suitable for older beginners.The children learn ‘tricks’ for their fingers or bows which are fun when done in a group. Reading skills are developed at the same time.Each page represents a small step in musical and technical development based on reading music from the very first lessons. Theory homework is included at the end of most sections providing the complete theoryrequired as children progress.The tutors for each instrument are identical in content except where differences are required to accommodate the different instruments.Books 1 and 2 of the series are each intended to cover one year of group tuition based on a school year of 40 weeks. Book 3 provides material for two years. Progress will vary according to the age of the children the size of the group and the extent of their previous musical experience.Additional repertoire at the end of the books provides: extension work for pupils who reach the end of the book before the rest of the group additional work for those who want it and end of year concert pieces. These brilliant tutors make playing music fun as it should be!The Accompaniment Books contain piano parts that are simple enough to allow parents or siblings with some musical skills to play. For many of the simple pieces the right hand piano part is suitable as a violin accompaniment.These are great resource books for ensemble work. Many tunes are arranged for duets trios or quartets and allow more advanced pupils to play along with beginners. Accompaniment Book Three has harmony parts that span the range of ability from beginner to able fourth year player.Books One and Two contain over a dozen games that provide variation for the class

Perfect companion to the method All For Strings suitable for classroom or individual study. Including exercises and games encompassing music fundamentals introduced in the method books the workbooks are correlated withthe method and provide beginning string players with essential elements for a thorough understanding of music. Theory Workbook 1 will help you to understand the fundamentals and theory of music. The study of musicfundamtentals and theory together with careful practice in playing your instrument will help you to develop into a complete musician with the ability to perform with musical understanding. Best Wishes!Gerald E.AndersonRobert S. Frost

Reduced Version-The Full Score of Eventide the epic composition inspired by the story of Edith Cavell compiled from texts relating to her imprisonment composed by the great Patrick Hawes. This is the reduced version scored for Soprano SATB Chorus Unison Semi-Chorus Trumpet Harp Organ and Strings. This work is dedicated to Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society and Gresham's Holt who first performed this work in Norwich Cathedral on the 12th of July 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.  Lasting around 45 minutes this large-scale work has the subtitle 'In Memoriam Edith Cavell' who is commemorated here as a nurse to German and British wounded who went on to provide refuge to escaped and lost British soldiers who were enabled by her to return to England. As a result of this she was arrested for 'treason' and condemned to death. While in prison her only possessions were her Bible her Book of Common Prayer and a copy of the Imitation of Christ. The libretto as compiled by Andrew Hawes is made up of extracts from these books as well as other materials relating to her final days.  This tribute to a brave and courageous life is fitting for a composition commemorating the First World War. The tragedy and pathos surrounding Cavell's life is hard for us to understand but by placing words so personal to her in the context of a piece of beautiful music it forces us to think and remember while also condemning the actions of so many figures of authority on an innocent and pious nurse during that horrific period. 

Teacher's Book-More String Time Joggers is a welcome addition to the ensemble repertoire for beginner strings from the authors of the award-winning Fiddle Time series.This exciting collection provides enjoyable and inventive ensemble material for all string groups whatever their size.

Teacher Resource Kit-This valuable source of support materials includes lesson plans reproducible student activity pages and much more on CD-ROM. It's all designed to help you get the most out of your Essential Elements experience.Over 40Lesson PlansCorrelated to Essential Elements 2000 for Strings - Book 2 and organized into three parts:- Learning Objectives- Teaching Strategies- AssessmentReproducible StudentActivity PagesThese worksheets have been developed to provide support materials to enhance learning and help develop comprehensive musicianship. Some activities can be done in class while others may be used ashomework assignments; all pages are reproducible. Activities include:- Rhythm Studies- Creating Music- Music Theory- Listening Exercises- QuizzesAll documents are available on theincluded CD-ROM. Lesson plans can be imported into any word processing program allowing you to edit personalize and print.

With Piano Accompaniment. Par MILLER DONALD. These books are arranged to be performed with various combinations of instruments. This volume presents some of the most beloved repertoire for the Christmas season. Some works are well known, others will sound fresh and new to most players. The pieces may be performed as a solo for each instrument (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola or Cello) with piano accompaniment, or as duets or trios, as well as full orchestra. If performed with full orchestra, the piano accompaniment is not necessary. The string ensemble series meets all standards for ASTA (American String Teachers Association) and Suzuki Association of the Americas, Inc. If performed with full orchestra, no solo parts should be played except the 1st violin part. Note also, if you wish to perform these works with full orchestra and you are short certain instruments, you still have some flexibility with the score. For example, if there are not enough violas for balance, the viola (harmony part) and 3rd violin part are identical. The part may be played with all 3rd violins or equally divided between 3rd violins and violas. / Niveau : Débutant / Christmas - Ensemble / Recueil / Violon 1 et 2 et Accompagnement Piano