Folk Music for String Orchestra

Hauntingly beautiful, this arrangement in E minor of an old Irish air brings sweeping melodies and rich harmonies together in a way that only Atwell can do. Shifting required for cello and bass

The "salley gardens" in Yeats' poem are thought to refer to the banks of the river at Ballysadare near Sligo. The opening introduces the melody, without harmonization, in octaves in the violins. In the

"S'vivon" is the Hebrew word for dreidel, a four-sided top that is popular with children during the celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. In this arrangement, variations

The music for this familiar love song dates back to around 1790. After a brief introduction, the first violin melody is arranged with fresh harmonic touches to spice up an already pretty tune. Variations of

This traditional Irish tune is at the top of most fiddle players' favorites lists. It has lots of musical interest because of the two contrasting sections. The first section, in E dorian, has

Each student has a chance to play the melody with their "finger-bones connected to their hand bones" in this bone-rattling arrangement of the well-known spiritual, perfect for Halloween or any time of year!

An absolute Chinese treasure from the pen of Albert Wang, this very simple tune has nothing more complicated than eighth and quarter notes. The theme is passed throughout the orchestra and remains in first

This lilting and hypnotic melody originates from the oral tradition of 19th-century American boat songs. Set in 3/4 time in the easy key of E-minor, this haunting tune will transport students to the deck of

The bittersweet longing for a love across cultural boundaries begins this visit to Ireland with The Flower of Magherally and solo opportunities for your principal violist. Next, a boisterous slip

Diversify your concert program with this captivating arrangement based on the 1913 Peruvian melody and inspired by traditional Andean mountain music. This arrangement will interest your students as it

With a blend of Celtic and American fiddle tunes, this tuneful medley begins with Star of the County Down in a moderate 3/4 and intensifies with two Irish jigs, Another Jig Will Do

Ignatius Sancho (1729-1780) was born on a slave ship bound for the Spanish West Indies. He ended up in London in the service of a duke where he learned to read, write, and learn music on his own. Sancho was

This captivating work is a set of variations on the Pong Lang Dance, one of Thailand's most popular melodies. The pong lang is like a xylophone with its wooden keys suspended vertically on

End your first year with three American folk songs about water, each of which is passed around the orchestra. Learning opportunities abound, particularly with the bow and pizzicato. Upper strings use high

Featuring simple fiddle-style figures, this winning original in G opens with pyramid entrances by each section and a tutti presentation of the main theme before the canonic portion begins. When the rounds