Composer Robert Buckley has created an engaging work that's filled with programmatic elements and sounds terrific with younger players. Students will love its film score atmosphere and the opportunity to

This dynamic and riveting work depicts an ancient battle scene or ferocious weather system. A lyrical melody contrasts with an intense rhythmic groove complete with optional percussion. A great work to

There's a ninja on the loose and he's sneaking through the orchestra. Your students will love making up storylines for what happens next in this colorful Asian-flavored piece that uses only the notes of the

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 -

Brooding melodies that rise like mist over dark, churning chords give way to a warm, yearning section, returning for a rousing finish. The lush, romantic sound and the dramatic expressiveness thrill while

Written for the true beginner, this piece takes the listener on an eerie tour that can best be described as an unsettling experience with a touch of curiosity and anxiousness. Piano and optional celesta

For the very youngest musicians, this highly energetic piece does not use eighth notes, is based on a one-octave D Major scale, and uses mostly stepwise motion throughout. Despite these features, the music

With his symphonic, choral, and operatic works, the continuing popularity of Eric Whitacre's dramatic and evocative music is evident in concert programming everywhere. October, one of his most

In Greek mythology, Boreas is the cold north wind, making this piece a great addition to any winter concert. The mysterious opening leads to an exciting finale. Students will experience spiccato

Conceived as an energetic and musically rewarding work, this piece also happens to be an excellent vehicle for teaching and reinforcing low first fingerings (violin/viola), backward extensions (cello), and

Inspired by pure joy, this work explores uplifting and lighthearted emotions. The music has a constant rhythmic pulse that gently interacts with graceful melodic lines and countermelodies. Engaging