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Original Concert Works | Beginning
Original Concert
Works
Beginning
5th Avenue Rock—Kathryn Griesinger.
This rocking piece for beginning strings is
based on the interval of a perfect fifth - thus
the title! Students can practice easy string
crossings on open strings, simple rhythms,
and stepwise finger patterns. Violin 2
doubles viola and cello doubles bass to
build confidence and create a full sound.
The piano and drum set fill in during rests,
allowing the young orchestra to shine at its
very first concert.
11401176 String Orchestra . . . .B 53.00
The Abandoned Funhouse—Brian
Balmages. Written for the true beginner,
this piece takes the listener on an eerie tour
that can best be described as an unsettling
experience with a touch of curiosity and
anxiousness. Piano and optional celesta
(playable on keyboard) create a haunting
background reminiscent of a film score.
Instruments move mostly by stepwise
motion, and all string crossings involve an
open string. No eighth notes are used, and
many instruments use only five or six notes.
10592171 String Orchestra Keyboard
Required . . . . . . . . . .B 50.00
After Impact (Chicxulub Asteroid: Day
3)—Laura Estes. Written for beginning
string orchestra, this concert work depicts
the aftermath of the asteroid strike that
wiped out the dinosaurs. Using only six
notes (D-B), students explore a variety of
articulations and dynamics as well as a
tempo change, and every part remains
engaging throughout the entire piece. A
strong concert closer for any time of the
year.
11673080 String Orchestra . . . .B 45.00
Apparition—Mikayla Bauer/arr. Josh
Trentadue. Spooky and playful, this
beginning string orchestra work with
optional percussion is designed to be easy
to learn and quick to prepare. A simple
recurring melodic idea anchors the piece
while varied percussion effects create a
ghostly atmosphere. The accessible writing
keeps all players engaged and makes
for a fun Halloween selection that builds
confidence and essential skills for young
ensembles.
11689815 String Orchestra opt.
Perc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .B 55.00
Battle of the Open Strings—Jiyoung Um.
Dramatic energy drives this beginning string
orchestra work with piano and percussion,
depicting a fierce musical battle using only
open strings. Despite technical simplicity,
the music feels powerful and exciting
throughout. An effective closer that gives
beginning players a thrilling performance
experience and a confident, dramatic finish
to a first concert.
11686213 String Orchestra . . . .B 55.00
Beyond the Waterfall—Katie O'Hara
LaBrie. A captivating piece for beginning
string orchestra and piano with an
optional Grade 3 violin solo. Lush string
harmonies create a flowing, dreamlike
atmosphere, while twinkling piano lines
reflect shimmering droplets of the water.
The optional soaring solo line adds a touch
of expressive beauty. This piece is equally
an enchanting choice for young orchestras
developing musicality or a great backdrop
for more mature students beginning to
explore vibrato.
11617591 String Orchestra . B-M 55.00
Capybara Cha Cha—Perry Holbrook.
Beginning string orchestras will settle into
this Grade 0.5 selection easily, built on
just the first six notes of the D-major scale
and limited to half, quarter, and eighth
notes. Within those boundaries, students
get engaging rhythms, clear phrasing
opportunities, and plenty of work with
dynamic contrast. The playful theme gives
young players a fun entry point for their first
concert, especially if you choose to add
some Latin percussion for extra character.
11673559 String Orchestra . . . .B 45.00
Credence—Larry Clark. Written for
beginning string orchestra, this work offers
young players a chance to explore a mature,
unified sound through simple unison
rhythms. Utilizing only the first six notes
of the D major scale, its straightforward
teaching demands make it easy to prepare,
and its bold character makes it an effective
concert or patriotic opener.
11673081 String Orchestra . . . .B 45.00
Dorian Doodles—Jim Palmer. Built
around the E Dorian scale, this beginning
string orchestra work with optional piano
offers a fresh sound while keeping the
familiar comfort of two sharps. Lively
melodies alternate pizzicato and arco, with
frequent dynamic contrasts encouraging
expressive control and technique variety.
The approachable writing keeps focus on
listening, color, and phrasing. A creative
choice for introducing modal sounds
while engaging beginners with several
foundational skills.
11680870 String Orchestra . . . .B 55.00
The Duke's Masquerade—Matt Neufeld.
Masked dancers swirl through a light
ballroom scene in this beginning string
orchestra dance built on simple quarter,
eighth, and half notes. Classical style,
frequent staccato articulation, and
alternating pizzicato and arco passages
reinforce core bowing skills at an accessible
pace. An inviting choice for introducing
dance character, articulation variety, and
stylistic awareness in an early concert
setting where fundamentals matter most.
11680742 String Orchestra . . . .B 50.00
Five Note Fiddler—Brian Balmages.
Based entirely on just the first five notes
of the D major scale, this is an ideal way
to reinforce the D tetrachord while having
a ton of fun in a fiddle-inspired setting.
The melody playfully weaves throughout
the ensemble as the music unfolds.
Surprisingly sophisticated in sound, yet very
approachable! (1:15)
11568698 String Orchestra . . . .B 50.00
Hall of Heroes—Brian Balmages. This
stunning fanfare uses only quarter notes
and half notes. All instruments use just
the five notes D to A, with the exception of
violin 1 which uses the full D major scale,
yet all string crossings involve open strings.
Despite its playability, this is powerful,
harmonically sophisticated, and very
compelling! (1:30)
11619626 String Orchestra . . . .B 50.00
Haunted Carnival—Jordan Hawkins.
This spooky piece for beginning string
orchestra uses just five notes! Explore the
haunted shadows of a creepy carnival while
introducing easy 3/4 time to 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. Download the included
accompaniment track from the publisher's
website.
11559061 String Orchestra . . . .B 53.00
High Five—Chris M. Bernotas. Rock-
influenced energy powers this beginning
orchestra work, with optional drum set
and piano parts, built entirely from the first
five notes of the D major scale. Extensive
doubling and simple rhythms create a
full, confident sound, while selective use
of the fourth finger for violins and violas
expands early technique. An excellent
choice for building confidence through a
fun, contemporary style that still reinforces
fundamental string technique. A free drum
track is available when live percussion isn't
possible.
11680900 String Orchestra . . . .B 55.00
Impulse—Brian Balmages. For the very
youngest musicians, this highly energetic
piece does not use eighth notes, is based
on a one-octave D Major scale, and uses
mostly stepwise motion throughout. Despite
these features, the music is powerful and
aggressive.
10512570 String Orchestra . . . .B 50.00
Into the Midnight Forest—Mekel Rogers.
Using only quarter notes and half notes in
modes of D major, this composition evokes
the feeling of a mysterious march through
the darkness that students will enjoy playing
and parents will enjoy hearing! With easy
bowings, limited range, and a viola part that
doubles second violin, this work will make
a first-year orchestra sound marvelous at
their first concert of the year!
11510720 String Orchestra . . . .B 45.00
Into the Wildlands—Brian Balmages.
A dramatic arc unfolds in this beginning
string orchestra work supported by optional
percussion and piano. Opening slowly
before shifting into more adventurous,
forward-moving music, repeated
decrescendo-crescendo shapes emphasize
dynamic contrast while keeping notes
and rhythms simple and secure. The full
orchestral sound feels mature and deep
without added technical demands. A strong
concert option when introducing beginners
to expressive contrast and bold, narrative
playing in a short, engaging setting.
11680905 String Orchestra . . . .B 55.00
Leapfrogs—Taryn Kroymann. Jump into
the playful world of Leapfrogs, a piece
crafted to help beginning-level students
explore skips and bow lifts. The first half
is entirely pizzicato, using simple quarter
notes and rests so students can focus on
their left-hand technique. The second half
of the piece adds a new dimension with the
inclusion of the bow. This is a great piece
to showcase the growth of your beginning-
level students.
11642887 String Orchestra . . . .B 55.00
March of the Gnomes—Cindy Hill. This
whimsical beginner orchestra piece brings
a cast of mischievous gnomes to life
through a clever, memorable melody and
playful pizzicato. Accents add a touch of
personality and introduce young players
to expressive articulations from day one. A
delightful concert choice that will have your
young students grinning from ear to ear!
11689859 String Orchestra . . . .B 55.00
Miniature Symphony—Richard Meyer.
This brilliantly simple four-movement
"symphony" is perfect for beginning string
players who are just starting to read. Using
only the notes of the D Major scale, each
movement focuses on a distinct reading
and playing skill. Whether you perform
one movement or all four, your students
will sound great while they get a chance
to put their newly acquired reading skills
to use and learn about basic symphonic
form. Educational and fun! Includes parts
for violin 3 (viola- treble clef) and piano
accompaniment. Highly recommended for
the first concert!
10050362 String Orchestra . . . .B 50.00
