Original Concert Works for String Orchestra

Using only quarter notes and half notes in modes of D major, this composition evokes the feeling of a mysterious march through the darkness that students will enjoy playing and parents will enjoy hearing!

This exquisite lyrical work in D minor will evoke images of the beauty of a cold winter landscape with lush harmonies, beautiful melodies, and pleasing counterlines. The piano part is a gorgeous part of the

Here is some exquisite writing for beginning orchestra! The B minor/modal tonality brings out that melancholy Russian sound while using notes familiar to all players. Thanks to some simple imitation, easy

Take a journey with the legendary hero Perseus as he slays the snake-haired Medusa and rescues the princess Andromeda! From the opening rhythmic figures to the soaring melodies, this dynamic and stunning

A celebratory and extremely versatile work, the majestic lines sweep throughout the ensemble amid a backdrop of pulsating rhythms. Perform it with your developing ensemble alone, or add the more accessible

This gorgeous fantasy is based on the well-known Hawaiian song Aloha 'Oe, written by Queen Lili'uokalani. Translated as "Farewell to Thee," it works extremely well both as a lyrical portion of a

Perfect for any concert opener or closer, this wonderful work for beginning orchestra takes musicians and audiences on a mythical journey through the sky. Dramatic scoring and creative harmonies make your

Designed to give students experience reading G and C string notes, this electrifying rock-style piece uses simple rhythms, accents, staccato, and changing dynamics to exciting effect. Every section gets a

Here's a very creative and exciting work with an exotic Far-Eastern sound. First the upper strings create anticipation with an ostinato pattern that continues as the lower strings present the main melody.

This remarkably simple, yet sophisticated sounding piece from Mark Williams allows for the development of many expressive possibilities in young players. Syncopation and spicatto are explored and developed

Geared to beginners, Royal Promenade uses only quarter-note and quarter-rest rhythms in D major. Thematic repetition and contrasting dynamics and articulations make this piece easy to learn

A loving portrait of life growing up in the pastoral foothills of Northern California, Colors of Home conveys a warm Americana feeling, featuring beautifully nuanced melodic themes and carefully

With a driving rhythm, catchy melody, and rocking drum set, this thrilling original work will have musicians and concertgoers alike moving in their seats! Beginning players will have the opportunity to

A beautifully heartfelt work for young musicians, with lush harmonies and suspensions that will stretch the musicianship of the performers. A thoughtful, meditative work, perfect for your concert

In addition to numerous etudes and a virtuosic violin concerto, violinist Joseph (José) White Lafitte composed this habanera for two violins, La Bella Cubana. In this string orchestra arrangement of

Here is a work of simplicity and beauty with some contemporary harmonies. Recorded by Michigan State University Orchestra on the CD Teaching Music Through Performance in Orchestra, Volume 1 -

Super fun for first year players! Elliot really knows what beginners are capable of and this piece lets them have fun doing what they can, while really making some music. Lots of open string fifths will

Stunning and heartfelt, this composition for the advancing orchestra is profound in its expressive nature. With lovely themes and lush harmonies, this beautiful work is full of moments to showcase your

Known for his thousands of film, radio, and symphonic arrangements, prolific composer Norman Leyden published this suite for string orchestra in 1971. The four brief, contrasting movements blend