Upward!

Adventuresome and exuberant, Upward! captures the spirit of those looking to take on the world! Like the title, the main musical idea and its variations effortlessly ascend throughout the work. Performers are able to master each new challenge in stride, from simple quarter note bow strokes to optional double stops to energized eighth notes. Playable with open strings and a one octave D major scale, a first position bass part, and simple phrasing, Upward! is easily accessible for musicians and audiences alike! Upward! should be performed with controlled, energetic bow strokes. On quarter notes, performers can think the word "zing" to energize and emphasize bow changes. Slight space ("zip") may help articulate repeated notes in larger ensembles like those found in measure 28. Eighth notes should be played with "sticky" bows that do not leave the string, using no more than half the bow. Half notes are a perfect place to check for straight, controlled bow strokes. Beautiful left hand position is required to play this piece. Fingers should hover above the string when not in use, so they are ready to play in tune and in time. Double stops are most effectively performed non-divisi but may be divided at the discretion of the director. Musicians may need to practice playing double stops on open strings before adding fingers.