Original Concert Works for String Orchestra

In Greek, the word ethos is used to describe the character and guiding beliefs or ideals that distinguish a community, nation or idea. The Greeks also used this word to refer to the power of music

The Norse legend of Guldfaxe, Thor's horse with the golden mane, is captured in this dramatic piece for Grade 1 strings. Basic D major finger patterns, "run pony" rhythms, and the mystic Dorian mode are

Every fall, flocks of up to a million starlings create fluid formations of wheeling and darting birds called murmurations. This piece depicts this sea of birds whose beautiful, hypnotic motions

Playgrounds are full of children having fun together. No matter their background, the laughter and shrieks of joy are the same as they run and play. In the first section of this playful musical portrait,

A delightful work that brings to mind fond childhood memories of playing in the creek. Lush harmonies and beautiful legato melodies create a delightful setting, and lots of independent lines open up the

Adventure awaits in this high-energy, tension-filled original composition. Great intensive melodic writing that is both short figures and long lines over top of punchy quarter notes and running staccato

Written in the style of a Russian folk song, this piece is perfect for beginning orchestras that are ready to show off their skills. Simple rhythms, an all-pizzicato texture, and a supporting piano part

Embark on a journey across the high seas with this gusty piece that captures the rogue nature of Caribbean pirates. Featuring contrasting sections and techniques such as harmonics, pizzicato, and double

Written to help students develop their spiccato bow stroke, this energetic piece is a joyful celebration from the very first measure. The left-hand challenges are minimal, allowing the players to focus on

Dance with the stars! Perfect for concerts and contests, this very melodic and engaging original work has a warm dance feel. It often highlights both the upper and the lower strings through similar and

This fun arrangement in D major is based on an 18th-century dance tune written by escaped slave Ignatius Sancho. Each section gets a turn with the melody. Skills students will reinforce include string

Reminiscent of film scores of old, this wonderfully expressive work contains a lot of teachable material and passionate melodies to inspire your students and audiences.

From the hard-driving rhythms to the almost comical pizzicato section, this work has a buoyancy and playful character reminiscent of Saturday-morning cartoons. The powerful main theme will motivate your

This jubilant original work with an infectious melody features a tied rhythm pattern. A contrasting pizzicato section showcases lower string sections before building back up to the joyous theme again. A

Celebrate the anticipation and the joy of the arrival of a new life with this lyrical and beautiful work. Lush harmonies and rich scoring along with a melody like a lullaby will make this emotional work a

The imagery of a lush, green meadow helps set the stage for this simple yet harmonically adventurous composition. The music alternates between legato melodies and staccato harmonies. Following a climactic

A re-discovered classic, this gem for String Orchestra was written by Howard Hanson (1896-1981) for the American String Teachers Association and first performed in 1976 at the Music Educators National