String Explorer Orchestra Series (Grades 1–2)

Correlated to specific units of the String Explorer method, these pieces provide a variety of teaching opportunities to implement and fortify the skills learned by first- and second-year string players. Each composition and arrangement is suitable for a young orchestra's first concert performances, with parts that are clearly bowed and fingered to make teaching simple and enjoyable. Selections include a Violin III (Viola, treble clef) part as well as optional piano accompaniment.

1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky/arr. Dabczynski)
(Grade 2½) 20717
$52.00

The memorable themes and heroic drama of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture are captured in this complete and thoroughly playable arrangement for string orchestra. Optional string divisi sections provide violinists with an extra challenge, while optional percussion parts add interest as they recall the sound of a great Russian cannon. This arrangement provides an opportunity for students to explore expressive dynamics and bowings typical of the Romantic era. This overture is a festival favorite and will surely bring the audience to its feet as a concert finale.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore (Verdi/arr. Dabczynski)
(Grade 2) 20716
$40.00

This colorful arrangement of the "Anvil Chorus" from Verdi's Il Trovatore begins with an energetic introduction played by all the strings. It is followed by the rousing main theme, which recalls the opera's Spanish gypsies as they strike their anvils at dawn and sing the praises of hard work and good times. While the grand melody is heard, players re-create the heavy anvil rhythm that makes this classic so memorable.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Cabbage Countdown (Phillips)
(Grade 1) 22303
$40.00

A refreshing and fun look at a well-known tune, Cabbage Countdown is a set of variations on the American fiddle tune "Bile Them Cabbage Down." Entertain your audience and make the kids feel cool while at the same time reviewing and solidifying first-year rhythm patterns. All sections play each rhythmic variation, which are written in the key of D major and quite accessible to first-year players.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Dragonhunter (Meyer)
(Grade 1) 20797
$40.00

Using only the notes of the D major scale, Richard Meyer has fashioned a medieval-sounding piece that is sure to fascinate your beginning string students. The minor key, modal harmonies and driving rhythms give this piece a very mature sound. The aggressive main theme is introduced by violins and violas, with cello and bass in counterpoint. The theme later returns in canon, with cellos and basses being chased (hunted) by the violins and violas. Very dramatic from start to finish!

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Finale from Symphony No. 5 (Beethoven/arr. Meyer)
(Grade 2) 20715
$40.00

This grade 2 arrangement of the finale from Beethoven's fifth symphony features the heroic opening theme as well as the lyrical secondary theme. While the key has been changed to G major and the rhythms simplified, the excitement and energy of the original remain. Every section is given melodic material throughout, making this a great selection to help your students learn about balance of melody and accompaniment. All parts are in first position, with a divisi first violin part that will offer an extra challenge to some of your more advanced players. A great festival selection or concert closer.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Kabuki Dance (Meyer)
(Grade 1) 22304
$40.00

This original piece features colors and tonalities seldom found in pieces for young orchestras. Written in ABA form with a very simple note range, this piece offers outstanding opportunities for improvement in rhythmic reading, dynamics, and pizzicato tone production. Though written for the training-level orchestra, the sophisticated sound will make it appealing to second- and even third‑year ensembles. Includes parts for Violin III (Viola, treble clef) and piano accompaniment.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Pirates! Music from Pirates of Penzance (Sullivan/arr. Dabczynski)
(Grade 2½) 22305
$45.00

Among the most popular operettas of the 19th century, Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance is filled with delightful tunes and memorable musical moments. This arrangement features three of its most famous numbers: "I am a Pirate King," "Poor Wandering One," and the ever-popular "Major General." Each section of the orchestra is given a turn playing the melody, contributing to a mood of light-hearted excitement. Students will be motivated by a final tongue-in-cheek challenge to play it again, "only this time, really fast!"

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Rigaudon (Purcell/arr. Meyer)
(Grade 1½) 22306
$40.00

The rigaudon is a popular French dance of the 17th century and a favorite of composers in all time periods. This rigaudon, one of Purcell's most famous melodies, has been arranged for first- and second-year orchestras who may be encountering the key of C major for the first time. The melody is constantly passed from instrument to instrument, training students to listen for the tune and help build ensemble skills. A perfect concert opener!

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Rockin' Up the Housetop (Phillips)
(Grade 2½) 20718
$40.00

This high-energy holiday medley combines the well-known tunes "Up on the Housetop," "Jingle Bells," and "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" in a 1950s rock-and-roll style. The eighth-note accompaniment in open fifths should be played with a bounced bow at the frog. Pay careful attention to the staccato notes during the driving eighth-note melodies. Students will love this "Chuck Berry meets the holidays" setting of traditional tunes.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa/arr. Dabczynski)
(Grade 2½) 22307
$45.00

Few American melodies stir the soul of patriotism like John Philip Sousa's master march, Stars and Stripes Forever. In this faithful arrangement, the entire intermediate string orchestra can literally "strike up the band" with Sousa's rousing melodies and well-known counter-melodies. A modified version of the famous piccolo solo is easily played by an optional violin solo or section (extending just to third position, with harmonics). This arrangement is guaranteed to bring the audience to its feet and leave your students feeling tall and proud.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Toucan Tango (Phillips)
(Grade 2) 22302
$40.00

Written in the style of an Argentinean tango and featuring strong rhythmic underpinning, this piece allows violins, violas and cellos to each have a turn at playing the original melody while the basses play a tango rhythm. Alternating between the keys of D minor and D major, Toucan Tango is designed to make an intermediate or advanced beginning orchestra sound its best. In first position with no shifting, two (or more) really can tango!

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Two French Dances (Philippe/Rameau/arr. Phillips)
(Grade 2) 20719
$40.00

Two French Dances is a wonderful introduction to French Baroque music. The rigaudon was composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1769) and the gavotte by Espirit-Philippe Rameau (1698-1762). This arrangement by Bob Phillips presents the two dances in first position, setting them well within the technical and musical grasp of beginning string players.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Bach Country Fiddles (Meyer)
(Grade 1) 20572
$40.00

Baroque meets country in this fun selection for first-year students. Based on quotes from J. S. Bach’s famous Menuet in G and Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, this is the perfect piece to highlight every section of your orchestra. Students will love practicing the fiddle licks, which will also strengthen left-hand technique and dexterity. Carefully written with the young performer in mind, this delightfully simple piece has a difficult “virtuoso” sound, yet is playable by even the most inexperienced groups.   

 

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Sword Dance (arr. Phillips)
(Grade 1) 20570
$40.00

Looking for a piece that's fun to play but still educationally sound? Try Sword Dance on your next concert. The piece starts with a presentation of the tune in the low strings that continues in the violins. It is then played antiphonally, followed by a pizzicato variation that concludes in an exuberant, fast-paced ending. Students will love this high-energy tune from the Renaissance era. Correlated with String Explorer, Book 1, Unit 12.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page

 

Whispering Winter Pines (Dabczynski)
(Grade 2) 20571
$40.00

The simple innocence of the old German carol “O Tannenbaum” provides the inspiration for Whispering Winter Pines. After a brief introduction, an original melody begins in the first violins. This is followed by the famous “O Tannenbaum” theme, played first in the cellos and basses and then by violas and second violins. A brief interlude precedes a setting of the two melodies played simultaneously. A perfect choice for your holiday concert. Correlated with String Explorer, Book 1, Unit 12.

Listen to sample Audio

View Sample Page