Original Concert Works for String Orchestra

A beautifully majestic and serene landscape shrouded in mystery and wonder - set in the key of E minor, the opening features a rich legato ballad with an eerily somber melody passing through each section of

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

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

A pulsating tale about the journey of a ship traveling across turbulent seas. As the piece progresses, variations of the primary theme change like the winds: sometimes calm and safe, sometimes stormy and

The bacchanale is a frantic dance full of reckless abandon, and this no exception! This thrilling and highly cinematic original work showcases driving rhythms along with fresh and colorful harmonies. An

This catchy tune provides exposure to jazz style for strings. The chromatic bass line's slaps provide a fun, percussive element, while the catchy melody is passed around to all sections.

Feature your top player on this famous American tune! The first time through, the soloist takes the lead accompanied by some pizzicato and the occasional foot stomp. The second time through, first violins

Designed for a combined concert with ensembles at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, The Three Knight’s Quest is an inspiring work intended to have flexibility and creativity for

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

Originally written for handbell choir, this string orchestra setting uses dorian mode, very catchy melodies, and infectious asymmetric rhythms to create a compelling and memorable listening experience. This

A joyous celebration of life, this beautiful piece conveys a sense of adventure while reminding us to live life to its fullest. Filled with emotion and uplifting lyricism, the music urges us to dance

Capturing the feel of the undead creeping ever closer, the composer has incorporated a variety of non-traditional string techniques, including playing behind the bridge, glissando, and instrument body

People of all ages are intrigued about space travel and journeying out into the unknown. This programmatic work takes our imaginations out to where asteroids, planets, and stars reside in deep space. The

This "throwback"-style string work was inspired by the many great can-cans, galops, and quick-steps that populate the music repertoire. This work strongly exemplifies the interplay of drama and humor that

This piece evokes beautiful imagery of flowing water in a setting like a film score that features lyrical lines for viola, cello, and bass sections.

"Resplendence" is a brilliant shine, a glowing splendor; here it is an exclamation of joy and serves as a fanfare for a glorious return. An uplifting theme in G major briefly moves into E-flat major,

Written to reflect the surface of water and its various changes, this flowing and expressive work utilizes optional percussion instruments. A brisk section in mixed meter provides exciting contrast.

To the Ocean expresses a seafaring voyage filled with excitement and hope. Using varied harmonic progressions, the music changes the colors and atmosphere like the ocean. Students will use staccato

The traditional bolero is a moderately slow dance in triple meter which originated in late 18th-century Spain. The Cuban bolero became a bit faster in tempo and duple in meter. In the U.S. it became a

A delightfully unique combining of Scotland the Brave and Amazing Grace. This setting brings fresh new harmonic treatments and joins the tunes as if they were meant to be together.