Folk Music for String Orchestra

Students will really enjoy playing and singing this old-timey tune that has roots in early New Orleans-style jazz. In first position throughout, this piece features rhythmic syncopation. The upbeat piece

A matryoshka, or Russian doll, is a set of figurines carved so that smaller ones fit within larger dolls of various sizes. They generally are beautifully hand painted in brilliant colors representative of

Written in the 1800s, it is danced by a man and a woman with lots of stomping and heel tapping, while wearing traditional Mexican outfits. The man flings his sombrero (Mexican hat) to the ground, and the

The morris dance has been performed throughout the English countryside since the time of William Shakespeare. Percy Grainger was so taken by the form that he wrote his own melodies for the dance, with great

"Always merry and bright" is how Grainger described this cheerful tune! Composed in the style of the traditional English Morris Dance, this completely original work has all the energy and spirit of

A rollicking good time! Not another "Celtic clone," this is actually a setting of two Irish reels Grainger arranged for string quartet in 1907.  It retains much of its quartet flavor by giving each

Everybody gets to dig in and play in this energetic piece in cut time. Fast-paced melodic passages and tied syncopation are featured in every instrument section, even the basses! The unique combination of

Take a trip around the world! Using 22 of the most famous melodies ever written from 17 different countries, this is the ultimate multicultural experience. The melodies travel from section to section, and

This beautiful and moving setting of the emotional spiritual is known to have brought tears to Abraham Lincoln when he first heard it. Colorful harmonies, a wide variety of scoring techniques, and

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

Folk songs have a long and mysterious history. Their origins are unknown; they have come down to us mainly through an oral tradition passed from generation to generation. Many of the folk songs we have come

Filled with enchanting melodies and harmonies, this piece is a lyrical air by Baroque-era Irish composer Turlough O'Carolan. Truly a crossover piece, this tune is often played by folk and classical

The lush harmonies and chromaticism bring an amazing depth and beauty to this wonderful folk song.

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,

Old Dan Tucker is a great finale or encore for your intermediate string orchestra. Every instrument has the melody in first position in this arrangement that teaches syncopation and cut time! All

An authentic old-time fiddling version of a traditional American folk tune in D major. Everyone gets the melody and can play with drones. Melody sheets are included with the parts so students may learn all

A fresh take on this popular folk fiddle tune with some unexpected but pleasing harmonic twists. Lots of syncopated sixteenth notes make for some great rhythmic excitement that will have the crowd clapping

A warm and embracing low string sound throughout provides support to this ageless ballad. The individual parts are easy to learn, with no subdivision of the beat and careful attention given to the needs of

The Heavenly Lake is situated in Tianshan Mountain range in Xinjiang Province in China. Myths surround this lake about a beautiful goddess who bathed there. Legend says she overcame a nuisance demon by

Based on a Newfoundland folk song, She's Like the Swallow refers to a lyric of lost love. Carl Strommen gives us a beautiful setting that contains a solo string quartet to begin the work, which

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