2023-2024 Editors' Choice Orchestra Music

Feel the frigid chill of winter winds and brittle ice! This contemporary-sounding work features quarter- and half-note rhythms in basic stepwise motion. Cello and bass sections have prominent lines, and all

Tell the mischievous tale of La Bruja (the witch) in this wonderful arrangement. A favorite with mariachi groups due to its hauntingly beautiful melody, this is the perfect introduction to folk

Inspired by old Northern European and Scandinavian fiddle music, this piece paints a picture of war long ago while also reflecting on the frustration and challenges of current events. Expose your students

Ho! Ho! Hurraaaaagh! The jolly old elf from the North Pole gets an aggressive makeover in this wonderfully tongue-in-cheek work. Beginning with narration in the style of a movie trailer, Santa is reimagined

This exquisite lyrical work in D minor will evoke images of the beauty of a cold winter landscape with lush harmonies, beautiful melodies, and pleasing counterlines. The piano part is a gorgeous part of the

A celebratory and extremely versatile work, the majestic lines sweep throughout the ensemble amid a backdrop of pulsating rhythms. Perform it with your developing ensemble alone, or add the more accessible

This gorgeous fantasy is based on the well-known Hawaiian song Aloha 'Oe, written by Queen Lili'uokalani. Translated as "Farewell to Thee," it works extremely well both as a lyrical portion of a

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!

A perennial holiday favorite, this lush arrangement has a rich sound yet is surprisingly playable. Melodies are thoughtfully woven throughout the ensemble amid modern harmonies and easy chromatics. At the

Rickroll the audience and add some lighthearted fun to your next program with this '80s standard!

This fantastic arrangement focuses on the overture's fast section, transposed to the more accessible key of C major. All sections get interesting parts without the tricky left-hand work in the original.

In addition to numerous etudes and a virtuosic violin concerto, violinist Joseph (José) White Lafitte composed this habanera for two violins, La Bella Cubana. In this string orchestra arrangement of

Stunning and heartfelt, this composition for the advancing orchestra is profound in its expressive nature. With lovely themes and lush harmonies, this beautiful work is full of moments to showcase your

The gorgeous harmonies and wistful melodies of this Christmas favorite come alive in this endearing arrangement. It's quite playable yet has such a mature sound that it will be at home with any level

This new string orchestra arrangement by James Kazik captures all the wonder (and waggish humor) of the hit 1990 movie Home Alone. Retaining many of the quirky rhythms and chromaticism of the

Imagine, if you will, that Bach decided to infuse the popular Christmas carols Angels We Have Heard on High; Jingle Bells and Joy to the World into the fabric of his famous Brandenburg

This dark, driving and energetic E minor work is one your students will ask for over and over! It's a great piece for differentiation in your young orchestra. Second violins and violas double while sticking

In this multi-level arrangement for string or full orchestra, both new and experienced students get to enjoy the excitement of Offenbach's famous dance. The piece can be performed with strings only, with

Enjoy this fresh take on a traditional favorite, drawing its name from the secular lyrics of the original song: "Greensleeves was my heart of gold." A gentle introduction flows into the familiar poignant

The artistic turning point of English composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's career happened in his twenties when he met the African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. Dunbar influenced the young composer to

With driving bass lines and sweeping melodies, this piece captures the warrior ethos of our many service members and veterans of the United States Air Force. Students will love the rhythmic drive of the low

This timeless theme from the "Halloween" franchise is one of the creepiest tunes ever written. This accessible arrangement maintains all of the eerie feeling of the original while staying in 4/4. Violin 1

Shambling creatures made of metal come to life in this eerie offering for beginning orchestra. This energetic piece utilizes only the first six notes of the D major scale while also carefully introducing F

This faithful arrangement comes from Vivaldi's first set of published concertos. Capturing the spirit of the original, the iconic first movement displays the power and focus that helped this piece stand out