Original Concert Works for String Orchestra

Experience the sounds and celebrations of an ancient festival in this fantastic concert opener. Inspired by Celtic dances and the drones of a medieval stringed instrument called a hurdy-gurdy, this

This thrilling concert showpiece offers your strings a chance to show how far they have come!  There are lots of moments of full orchestra chords contrasted with some basic contrapuntal lines

This beautiful original work, written to depict friends passing the hours on a porch swing, is perfect for a beginning orchestra's first concert performance. Using only the notes on the open strings and all

An E minor driving rock beat and two sets of parts will allow you to combine absolute beginners and second year students with great success. The easier parts are simple rhythms, and use limited range with

Set in a minor key, this work contains fast-moving spiccato eighth-note figures that provide high intensity from beginning to end. It's a dynamic and mysterious original concert work sure to captivate

Featuring string quartet and orchestra, this tour de force follows a few straggling Irish musicians (the quartet) who find themselves in a junkyard picking up scrap instruments. As the quartet begins to

This heroic original work for young orchestra is a salute to the families affected by the devastating forest fires in the northern regions of Nevada and California. An optional drum set part and minor key

A lush and tranquil melody over a backdrop of flowing eighth and sixteenth notes together with colorful harmonies make this original piece an excellent choice for developing and displaying your orchestra's

Hauntingly elegant, this lush ballad is the perfect piece to use to contrast something faster and more technical. The flowing lines melt together seamlessly to create a unique and fresh soundscape. Truly a

This spooky piece for beginning string orchestra uses just five notes! Explore the haunted shadows of a creepy carnival while introducing easy 3/4 time to your students. The celesta part adds a chilling

"Nova jornada" is Portuguese for "new journey." This piece is dedicated to the composer's friend, Raquel Bastos, as she embarks upon her new journey as Director of Strings at Somerville House. (2:25)

With French-inspired harmonies, this elegant piece is written in the style of a siciliano - a pastoral dance or song in 6/8. Like the delicate and sweet fragrance of the flower that opens in the darkness of

This work takes advantage of the expansive sound of the Lydian mode to depict the vast reaches of outer space. Everyone stays in first position (except the basses), and the dissonances are quite mild. A

Cleverly titled, this three movement work features original music in the style of famous composers from different periods in classical music. The first movement, After Beethoven, follows the form

Written in the key of D minor, this intense contemporary piece opens with an accented, offbeat rhythmic motif that constantly returns as new material is gradually built upon it. Featuring counterpoint,

In Greek mythology, Orion was a mighty hunter often portrayed as an archer. In this exciting original work, students also get to wield their bows as they perform a bold, dramatic melody with bow lifts! With

The folk-style melodies of old-time Appalachian music are captured in this lively work for string orchestra! Strummed rhythms, syncopation, and a spirited accelerando lend excitement and energy to this

Experience the allure of enchantment as this mesmerizing composition blooms like a delicate flower, filling the air with its tender melodies and graceful harmonies. Immerse your audience in rich emotion as

Inspired by Ukrainian folk melodies, this highly spirited work is captivating in every way! As the fiery opening statement is unleashed, students project pure excitement to the very end. Optional percussion

This original piece pays homage to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, immersing students in the style of the first movement without feeling watered down. Directors will surely notice the many nods to Beethoven's