Lighter Selections for String Orchestra

Liven things up in your orchestra by taking the great maestro to a folk dance. This fun arrangement combines several of Beethoven's most famous works with bluegrass-style fiddling - sure to be entertaining

This arrangement of the bluegrass classic in the key of D major is sure to be a hit with students and audiences alike, and is a perfect selection for concert or contest. Double stops and fun rhythms are

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

Your students will have a lot to cluck about with this Grade 1 swing-based piece. Based in the key of D Major, it features easy repetitive rhythms throughout and offers a mix of pizzicato and arco playing.

Paying homage to Aaron Copland and his famous Hoedown from the ballet "Rodeo," this lively Grade 2 piece will hold the attention of the audience through its entirety. The driving rhythms, catchy

Super fun for first year players! Elliot really knows what beginners are capable of and this piece lets them have fun doing what they can, while really making some music. Lots of open string fifths will

This work for the developing string orchestra is a great way to introduce extended pizzicato to your students. A charming bass line and melody will captivate your audiences and keep your musicians

Get ready to feel the energy, sense the drive, and dance to the groove with this work that engages every section of the orchestra! Complete with special effects, a pizzicato motive break-down section, and

Featuring simple fiddle-style figures, this winning original in G opens with pyramid entrances by each section and a tutti presentation of the main theme before the canonic portion begins. When the rounds

Inspired by a popular Mexican breakfast, this spicy Latin piece will help your students start their day off right. Easy syncopated rhythms and a catchy melody will have the audience wanting a second

Written during a long stay at home, this introspective work for string orchestra is charming and boasts a catchy melody too! Students will enjoy the intrigue in all the blue notes.

This great novelty piece will be so much fun for the players and audience! It will also help to develop good posture (standing up and sitting down), flexibility in the left hand (tapping on strings and the

Leftovers just got better with this Grade 2 piece based upon a 12-bar blues pattern. It offers both pizzicato and arco playing, syncopated jazz rhythms, and a traditional big-band-like "shout chorus" that

A great fast-paced and aggressive work for the string ensemble presented in three sections full of drama and intrigue. Driving rhythmic features will keep your musicians engaged and ready to play this one

Picture the image of jolly and chunky penguins walking (or wobbling) in single-file across the snow! A wonderfully charming work for the developing string orchestra - students will love this one.

This Irish-sounding piece teaches 3/4 time, legato bowing, pizzicato, bow lifts, and two-note slurs. Containing interesting melodic lines, the piece stays in first position throughout and only includes

This fun tune evokes classic spy dramas, full of intrigue and mystery, with just a few easy sixteenth notes and accidentals along the way. Quick pizzicato, ties, and off-beat rhythms provide a challenging

Brimming with intrigue and suspense, this exciting marriage of themes from "The Barber of Seville" with an iconic "shark in the water" motive will keep everyone on the edge of their seats. All Seville