Folk Music for String Orchestra

End your first year with three American folk songs about water, each of which is passed around the orchestra. Learning opportunities abound, particularly with the bow and pizzicato. Upper strings use high

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

The three songs of the Finnish Folk Song Suite were chosen for their common connection to nature. Everyone gets a chance at the melody in this collection of minor-key folk songs reminiscent of

This original work, in a folk style, combines simple bowing and fingering patterns to create a valuable and engaging piece for young strings. With interesting parts for all players, this piece provides

A creative way to review D major patterns with your young students! Using all the notes of the scale in all parts, this medley of four folk songs includes: Oats, Peas, and Beans; Boil 'em Cabbage Down;

An original work written in the British folk-song style by Richard Meyer, the two contrasting movements provide a variety of enriching musical experiences. The first movement features cantabile solos for

One of several popular dances from the time of the French Renaissance, this setting has a driving pulse with attractive modal harmonies in the friendly key of E natural minor. All instruments have melodic

This arrangement is a new twist on the standard for beginning strings. Set in 4/4 time while utilizing unison rhythms and three-part harmony make this perfect for a beginning orchestra's first concert.

This charming suite of French folk tunes is highly effective, yet easy to play. Full of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic interest, it has great variety and is a clever and colorful concert item.

It was always fun to sing this Italian song in elementary school music classes. Who could resist the swinging tarantella rhythms? No need to resist, join the fun!

Gaelic Trilogy provides the string orchestra with an opportunity to perform three Irish fiddle tunes: Fair-Haired Mary; Neil Gow's Lament and Stray Away Child. All sections,

Golden Slumbers is based on the poem Cradle Song from the Thomas Decker 1603 comedy "Patient Grissel." The poem was set to music by Peter Warlock in 1918 as a lullaby. There are

The African-American spiritual Ain't-a That Good News! exuberantly expresses joy and hope. Set as a slow swing, plenty of articulations help students achieve the proper style. Basses and cellos