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Byzantine Dances—Carol Brittin
Chambers. Designed for Grade 2.5 string
orchestra, this dance-inspired piece
engages students with vibrant rhythms.
The opening provides an energetic setting
for practicing grace notes and syncopated
gestures, while the slower middle passage
introduces expressive phrasing, solo
opportunities, and coordinated finger
snapping. Changing textures and stylistic
contrasts offer valuable work in articulation,
dynamic contrast, and rhythmic clarity.
11673090 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
Campfire—Matt Spieker. Written in a
quasi-fiddle style, this orchestra piece
draws on idiomatic bowing and rhythmic
patterns commonly associated with fiddling.
The Nashville Shuffle appears prominently
and is shared across the ensemble, with a
modified version introducing a double up-
bow at the end of the measure. Running
sixteenth-note passages add further
rhythmic variety, giving the music a lively
energy rooted in traditional string technique.
11684465 String Orchestra . . ME 40.00
Captain Hook—Chris M. Bernotas. A
jaunty sea-shanty spirit drives this Grade
2 string orchestra work, passing catchy
melodic material through every section of
the ensemble. The title refers to the focus
on hooked bowings woven naturally into
the texture, reinforcing articulation and
coordination while upper strings remain in
first position. A lively concert choice that
teaches essential bow technique while
keeping students musically invested.
11680874 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
Capture the Flag—Emmett Drake. An
exciting and accessible selection for Grade
2 string orchestra - set in D minor, the
melody and rhythmic accompaniment are
shared between sections, encouraging
ensemble awareness and musical
interaction. This engaging work provides
an excellent opportunity to develop bow
distribution and ensemble balance.
11687071 String Orchestra . . ME 45.00
Casting Shadows—Peter Sciaino.
Momentum drives this Grade 2.5 work, built
on steady, separated quarter-note figures
supporting a legato melody that moves
fluidly between sections. Players move into
a contrasting middle passage with expanded
rhythmic variety and brief solo moments
before accelerating back to the opening
material. Articulation and dynamic changes
give the orchestra plenty to shape. It's a strong
study in pacing, balance, and the moving
"shadows" created by evolving textures.
11673570 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
Celestial Shifts—Sean O'Loughlin.
Scored for Grade 2 string orchestra, this
piece offers a lush, atmospheric sound
shaped with frequent hairpin dynamics
that strengthen students' bow control and
ensemble coordination. The expressive
writing and rich orchestration encourage
developing players to explore tone color,
phrasing, and dynamic contrast.
11673093 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
Chasing the Light—Kevin Sluder. Inspired
by the positive light music can have on a
student, this unique work has a wonderful
variety of dynamics, articulations, and
styles, making it a must-have for teachers
looking to take their young ensemble to the
next level. Bow tapping in the violins gives
this an interesting percussive feel as well.
11632927 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
A Child of the Sun—Larry Clark. For Grade
2.5 string orchestra, this work offers a rich
lyrical opening that supports instruction in
expressive phrasing, rubato, and balance.
A contrasting middle section built on light
staccato eighth notes introduces a more
whimsical style with articulation work
before returning to the warm primary
theme. The colorful orchestration provides
a variety of ensemble textures, making
this a memorable choice for any concert
performance.
11673091 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
The Code—Alan Lee Silva. Like the
underscore of an international spy movie,
this piece promises drama from the opening
bar. The evocative harmonies, plus tight
moving lines and syncopated rhythms,
immediately catch the ear. Pulsating
eighth-note patterns drive the piece all the
way through to the spirited conclusion. Sure
to have everyone on the edge of their seat.
10278001 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
Conquistador—Deborah Baker Monday.
A dramatic work with a hint of romance,
Conquistador! depicts the life and
adventures of the Spanish explorers.
Rhythmic motives in A minor provide a
glimpse into life on the trail, and the softer,
lyrical section depicts a quiet night under
the stars. It's a great way to bring history
into the music rehearsal!
2703086 String Orchestra . . ME 62.00
Courage in the Storm—Cindy Hill. Driving
energy and strong ensemble involvement
characterize this medium-easy string
orchestra work in D minor built on scalar
melodies, accents, and staccato patterns.
The resilient tone and varied textures
keep all parts engaged while supporting
skill development. A compelling closer for
middle or high school groups that combines
musical meaning with practical technique in
a focused, satisfying performance.
11689857 String Orchestra . . ME 65.00
Creatures—Brian Balmages. It's great for
year-round use, but would be especially
scary at Halloween. The composer
describes it as "a dark and sinister night
full of strange happenings and ghoulish
encounters." Opening with a menacing
march as creatures emerge from the
darkness, dissonances soon appear in
upper strings, including the chance to play
any pitch in the chaos! Finally the audience
hears footsteps in retreat from the coming
dawn.
10027353 String Orchestra . . ME 55.00
Critical Mission—Adrian B. Sims.
. Relentless driving motion runs throughout
this original work for string orchestra and
timpani, alternating constantly between 4/4
and 3/4. Straightforward notes and rhythms
allow students to focus on meter changes,
articulation clarity, and dramatic dynamic
contrast. A brief reflective passage provides
contrast before energy surges again at the
exciting close. A strong closer option for
ensembles reinforcing mixed meters and
driving intensity.
11680915 String Orchestra . . ME 65.00
The Dance of Iscariot—Kirt N. Mosier.
A rhythmically-charged composition for
students. All parts playable in first position.
2382380 String Orchestra . . ME 70.00
Dark Journey—Doug Spata. Students will
love the contemporary style as they explore
a variety of articulations, dotted rhythms,
and offbeat eighth notes. Every section gets
a turn at playing the melody, with special
interest in the bass section expanding
the range in several positions. Energetic
staccato accompaniments push the bold E
minor theme to a triumphant conclusion.
11559084 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
Dark Moon—Thom Sharp. Modal color
and dramatic contrast define this piece
grounded primarily in the Aeolian mode with
shifting hints of Dorian and Phrygian along
the way. An aggressive opening builds
steadily toward a central climax before
giving way to a softer, more legato section
supported by gentle pizzicato. The intensity
quickly returns through wide leaps and
short, driving motives, pushing the music
toward a forceful and decisive conclusion.
11684456 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
Dragon Fire—Susan H. Day. Imagine the
fire-spewing, eyes-blazing, slimy-scaled
mythical creature in this dramatic work!
This excellent teaching piece features many
techniques, including hooked bowings,
slurs, lifts, accents, pizzicato, tremolo, and
a few high three-finger patterns in upper
strings. Written in the keys of A minor and
E minor, all parts have interesting moving
lines and melodies as well as wonderfully
rich chordal harmonies. Sure to be a
pleasing addition to any concert or festival.
10908669 String Orchestra . . ME 55.00
Drawbridges and Dragons—Bryan
Sanguinito. Medieval images of castles,
knights, and dragons shape the
soundscape of this string orchestra work
filled with regal, stately melodies. Groupings
of four eighth notes slurred in pairs anchor
the technique focus while varied dynamics
and articulations keep the music expressive
and engaging. Light part independence
gives every section responsibility and
interest. A strong middle school selection
when you want character-driven repertoire
that reinforces bow control, listening, and
ensemble confidence through a vivid
fantasy setting.
11680754 String Orchestra . . ME 60.00
Epic of the Great Tang—Xiaokang Deng.
With its traditional East Asian influences and
commanding melodic lines, this expressive
piece for young string orchestra creates a
soundscape that feels both ancient and
alive. The solemn character of the music is
enhanced by striking dynamic contrasts and
a steady 4/4 pulse. This piece gives student
orchestras a rewarding chance to practice
smooth transitions and achieve a unified,
resonant ensemble sound.
11688739 String Orchestra . . ME 55.00
Original Concert Works | Medium-Easy
Return anytime for full credit.
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