Folk Music for String Orchestra

This vibrant work brings the sound and spirit of mariachi to the string orchestra! Feature principal players accompanied by strummed passages, catchy syncopated figures, and energetic melodies. The piece

This kickin' fiddle tune is energetic, exciting and fun. The fast and furious fiddling sounds much harder than it really is. Riffs, finger patterns and bowings are very idiomatic and lend themselves to fast

Combining two well-known African-American spirituals (Chatter with the Angels and All Night, All Day), this arrangement offers the opportunity to swing or play straight eighth notes. Students will perform

The bittersweet longing for a love across cultural boundaries begins this visit to Ireland with The Flower of Magherally and solo opportunities for your principal violist. Next, a boisterous slip

The African-American spiritual Ain't-a That Good News! exuberantly expresses joy and hope. Set as a slow swing, plenty of articulations help students achieve the proper style. Basses and cellos

Featuring string quartet and orchestra, this tour de force follows a few straggling Irish musicians (the quartet) who find themselves in a junkyard picking up scrap instruments. As the quartet begins to

Showcase your strings with fire and flair in the style of Riverdance and traditional Celtic music! Written by Robert Kerr and arranged for strings by Soon Hee Newbold, this air and jig is a

From the gentle beginning to the triumphant and powerful climax, this enduring arrangement allows students to study expression to the fullest. A beautiful way to move your audience and deliver the universal

This tender and enduring traditional English melody is arranged to encourage player independence and comfort in the keys of A minor and C major. Great teaching opportunities to review legato technique,

From the intensity of despair and despondency to the tranquility of peace and hope, this arrangement will challenge the musical maturity of your group. The opening violin solo leads to a range of textures

This stunning transcription of Grieg's "Lyric Piece No. 5, Op. 68" is a wonderful study in musicality and expression. Beautiful melodies intertwine with delicate and thoughtful harmonies to showcase the

This lively Icelandic vikivaki folk song calls for foot stomping while it tells the tragic tale of Olaf and his deadly encounter with an elf maiden. Includes open drones that support the melody,

Allowing students to explore a full range of expression, this arrangement further develops musicality as individuals and as an ensemble. The beautiful yet plaintive melody weaves seamlessly through several

Inspired by the rich history of Point Lookout State Park in Maryland, this fantasy on civil war songs pays tribute to the remnants of Fort Lincoln, which served as a Civil War fortification. Songs used in

The aching emotion in this interpretation of Scarborough Fair is a genuine treat for young string groups. The lyrics of the 16th century (possibly older) ballad relates a heartsick couple proposing

A simple, plaintive opening sets the stage for this remarkable arrangement of a classic folk song. Engaging and complex harmonies weave seamlessly with gorgeous countermelodies as the arrangement develops.