Music by Semiquaver Music
Levels 0.5 - 1
First Finger Pachelbel
Editor’s Choice – J. W. Pepper Catalogue
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Like Pachelbel’s original, this open string and first-finger masterpiece, written in D major, builds in intensity and rhythmic interest throughout. All four strings are used, and technique is very elementary with no slurs and nothing more rhythmically complex than quarters and eighths. Violas are responsible for supplying C sharps with low 1s on the C string (prominently marked in their part).
Grade - 1
Standard - Primary School/ Easy
Duration - 2.05 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher - Latham Music
“The students absolutely adore playing First Finger Pachelbel. They enjoy your beautiful, creative, fun compositions.”
May 9, 2020
Over the Rolling Downs
This Level One, D major piece will really suite the beginning string orchestra for an end of year performance. String students enjoy performing ‘moto perpetuo’ style music as it provides an opportunity to expend quite a bit of energy working the right forearm while the left hand is comfortably playing familiar notes on the A and D strings (with G string notes and shifting for the double bass). This bowing style encourages a fuller sound and develops confidence. In triple time and ternary form, the piece also has three instrumental lines –melody, harmony and bass. The style should be ‘waltz’ like with the piano part providing a rhythmic as well as a harmonic support.
Grade - 1
Standard - Elementary
Duration - 1.55 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher - Brolga Music
Debut Concert for Strings
Debut Concert for Strings is a collection of eight short pieces composed specifically foryour beginner string ensemble. Scores are graded from easy first finger and pizzicato work through to harder faster-paced pieces. These works incorporate notes, rhythms, and time signatures encountered during your students’ first year of learning. Debut Concert providesyour ensemble withmany different musical styles to explore. This collection is aimed at students who have the skills to engage in an initial ensemble experience. Depending on the skill level of your ensemble, introducing Debut Concert is recommended during their first year, or at the start of their second year of learning. All works have been “rehearsal room tested” to ensure their pedagogical strength and student, teacher and audience appeal.
The pieces in the collection are: Wonky Tonks, In My Boat of Dreams, Little Koto-San, Can You See, The Mechanical Doll, Waltz The Bow, Around The Stick Men, Pete’s Pickled Polka.
Grade - 0.5
Standard - Primary/ Easy
Duration - 10 minutes
Key - Various
Publisher - Brolga Music
The Ghost of Old Tom
The arrangement of this old folk song, The Ghost of Tom is scored for standard string orchestra including an additional treble viola part. The tonality is Aeolian or natural minor and is based on the traditional melody as known today. It is 46 bars in length and if performed at MM 84 the duration would be approximately 2:15.
The various techniques employed throughout the work provide the opportunity to explore tremolo and percussive tapping on the back of the instrument interspersed with pizzicato, foot stomps and, of course, the essential spine-chilling scream which can be performed by one of the students or maybe a member of the audience. This is a great novelty piece especially for a Halloween concert.
Grade - 1
Standard - Elementary
Duration - 2.55 minutes
Key - E Minor (Modal)
Publisher - Brolga Music
First Finger Suite
Editor’s Choice – J. W. Pepper Catalogue
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This work requires open strings and first finger only! The three movements are: Rain Dribs; Little Japanese Girl and Autumn Rhumba. Each movement has character and is a performance piece in itself. There’s also a very handy set of preparatory exercises and warm ups to help your students.
The recording provided is of Autumn Rhumba.
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Grade - 1
Standard - Primary School/ Easy
Duration - 1.15 minutes
Key - E Modal
Publisher - Latham Music
“Fantastic work for beginners. Introduces students to multi-movement works. Each movement truly has an individual character. It is very audience-friendly as well. It will be in our rotation for many years to come.”
May 9, 2020
Grasshopper Chomp
Here’s another great teaching piece from Svendsen. The off-the-string (optional) bowing can represent the chomping of the grasshopper. Set in D major It’s an easy tune that offers flexible performance options by dividing out the players into melody players and harmony players. In this manner it could be done in a number of ways, from all low strings to a mixture of everyone.
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Grade - 1
Standard - Primary School/ Easy
Duration - 1.15 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher - Brolga Music
Gulpy the Goldfish
Here’s an easier work that can teach basic syncopation. In fact, you can teach most of the syncopation in this work with the words, “Gulpy The Goldfish.” It’s simple and enjoyable for players and audience alike.
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Grade - 1
Standard - Primary School/ Easy
Duration - 1.55 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher - Brolga Music
Roaches in the Pantry
A delightful piece in D Major/D Modal, ABA form, Roaches in the Pantry uses repeated eighth notes at a fast tempo to give a scuttling effect. The middle, mysterioso, section requires cellos to play easy double stops of fifths with upper strings in rhythmic unison. Includes 3rd violin and piano parts. Great for achieving stable ensemble playing and encouraging a full tone.
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Grade - 1
Standard - Primary School
Duration - 2.05 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher Latham Music
Levels 1.5 - 2
Cotton Candy Rag
Editor’s Choice – J. W. Pepper Catalogue
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Explore an incredibly innovative way to use open strings and 1st finger! Using all four strings, this piece in G major can be used to teach either half position (using 2 fingers) or the backward extension of the 1st finger. Students will enjoy this good rhythmic lesson with repetitious ragtime syncopation. Presented in A-B-A form, this is a swanky addition to your repertoire!
Grade - 1.5
Standard - Primary School
Duration - 1.37 minutes
Key - G Major
Publisher - Latham Music
As Evening Falls
Expressive, legato melody lines highlight this romantic work in 3/4 time, giving all sections a chance to shine. The key oscillates between D major and B minor (modal) and uses the notes string players learn first and know best. It’s quiet and reflective, a nice change of pace!
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Grade - 1.5
Standard - Primary School
Duration - 2.02 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher Latham Music
Butterflies on the Breeze
This piece depicts the magic of butterfly migration with only open strings and first finger (using all strings). The butterflies disappear into the sky with a soft, delicate pizzicato ending. Bowing skills include two-note slurs, staccato on the string, and hooked bowings. While rhythmically simple, this piece incorporates a great mix of note values, making counting accuracy important.
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Grade - 1.5
Standard - Primary School
Duration - 2.07 minutes
Key - C Major
Publisher Latham Music
Tango Por Uno
Editor’s Choice – J. W. Pepper Catalogue
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Let’s Tango! And while we do, students are practising their shifts and getting to know half position. In this work written for open strings and first finger, young musicians are required to play in both half and first positions. Once they have learned the notes for left hand, students can focus on the articulation and rhythms to create a realistic sounding tango.
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Grade - 1.5
Standard - Elementary
Duration - 2.28 minutes
Key - G Minor
Publisher Latham Music
Wumberling Wombat
The wombat wumbles slowly, leaning from side to side. This original work provides that laid back feel with a plodding bass line and simple melody. The basses and celli introduce a new middle section which returns to the start. A simple yet enjoyable piece for young students.
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Grade - 1.5
Standard - Primary School
Duration - 1.53 minutes
Key - G Major
Publisher Latham Music
Arpeggio Antics
Here’s a very useful educational work that gives your first violins an ‘arpeggio’ workout. Extended 3rd fingers for the first violins and violas offer a challenge however an easy violin and cello part are included to enable less experienced students to be involved. An excellent way to encourage a full sound from your orchestra.
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Grade - 1.5
Standard - Primary School
Duration - 1.25 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher Latham Music
Caterpillar Holiday
How’s about a bit of swing for your next concert! Caterpillar Holiday will provide your students with an easy and technically accessible way to explore swing bowing style. The parts are written using straight eighth notes which makes it easy for the students to read and learn the piece quickly. Add in the swing when they’re ready. This piece includes an optional 3rd Violin part.
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Grade - 1.5
Standard - Primary School
Duration - 1.25 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher Brolga Music
Fiesta
For String Orchestra Set Piece A Grade, MusicFest, Brisbane
Editor’s Choice – J. W. Pepper Catalogue
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This bright waltz in G major from ‘south of the border’ will bring the spirit and fun of a Mexican holiday to your orchestra! This likeable, light work introduces some rhythmic challenges, col legno, pizzicato accompaniment, and a happy tune that stays with you after the performance! (Includes piano and 3rd violin.)
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Grade - 1.5-2
Standard - Primary School
Duration - 1.20 minutes
Key - G Major
Publisher Latham Music
Levels 3 - 4
Ancient Days
Ancient Days creeps in and rises to a crescendo with a driving, primordial melody. The work’s Dorian modality is emphasized by arpeggiated lower string accompaniment, while upper voices have an opportunity to incorporate a bit of third position skill within their feature. An optional tom-tom part is included.
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Grade - 2
Standard - Middle School
Duration - 3.15 minutes
Key - D Modal
Publisher Latham Music
Sandy Beside the Sea
Here’s a great way to liven up your next concert. Using the Preparatory Exercises and accompanying texts included in this pack, you will have your students playing the syncopated rhythms of this delightful samba in no time. The notes are very accessible for the developing string orchestra which allows everyone to focus on the rhythmic aspects of the work. An easy violin part, treble viola part and optional percussion parts are also included. The audience will be up and dancing! Highly recommended.
Grade - 2
Standard - Middle School
Duration - 1.40 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher - Semiquaver Music
Celtic Dreams
Set Piece B Grade, MusicFest, Brisbane
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This gorgeous piece in D minor is not a jig or a reel, but a very flowing original melody that evokes images of the sea. First violins must play in 3rd and 4th position while lower strings play the wide-spread broken chords which give this work its rolling, wave-like feel.
Grade - 3
Standard - High School
Duration - 3.25 minutes
Key - D Minor
Publisher - Latham Music
Fairly Fugal
Editor’s Choice – J. W. Pepper Catalogue
Set Piece A Grade, MusicFest, Brisbane
This contemporary work begins with a slow introduction that has the effect of creating dramatic tension. It builds even more as the music changes to an allegro section rich in canonic imitation, where every section must play its part equally. It is not a fugue in the strictest sense of the word, hence the title “Fairly Fugal,” but it is a very exciting work for maturing string orchestras!
Grade - 3
Standard - High School
Duration - 4.15 minutes
Key - E Minor
Publisher - Brolga Music
Funky and the Bass Cats
Editor’s Choice – J. W. Pepper Catalogue
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This is sure to be a great concert closer! Funky and the Bass Cats does much more than just feature the basses. It explores the world of swing eighth note versus straight eighth notes with a very cool and bluesy passage that swings, and a very Mozartian classical passage that doesn’t swing. It’s great fun and a memorable way to learn rhythms. First violins do a little work in third position and, of course, basses do a very funky walking bass line. This “groovy” piece will challenge rhythmically while introducing flats and FUN to the entire orchestra.
Grade - 3
Standard - High School
Duration - 2.40 minutes
Key - A Minor
Publisher - Latham Music
Moreton Bay
Moreton Bay is an arrangement for an experienced string orchestra of an Australian folk song which became popular around 1830. The ‘Percy Grainger style’ work portrays the sadness and grief that was the experience of the convicts at the penal settlement of Moreton Bay run by the notorious Captain Logan. After a slow introduction of the theme, the piece seamlessly moves in to a lighter waltz section before returning to the memories of that horrendous period of Australian history.
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Click here to read the lyrics for the folk song that were written by the Irish convict poet Frank McNamara.
Grade - 4
Standard - Advanced
Duration - 2.49 minutes
Key - D Major
Publisher - Semiquaver Music
Sakura
This arrangement of Sakura, Sakura for string orchestra captures the haunting sentiment of the melody using koto-like pizzicato lines and pentatonic harmonies. Contrasting legato lines accompany an original melody in the middle section, which is in a major key and brings a brighter colour to the work before the plaintive original melody is heard again at the end of the work.
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This arrangement is for high school string orchestra. Graded as a Level 3 piece, it requires the double bass section to play in 5th position and requires some vibrato in all sections.
Grade - 3
Standard - Advanced
Duration - 3.00 minutes
Key - B Minor (Modal)
Publisher - Semiquaver Music