Third Gear

Get ready to shift - to Third Gear! For string orchestra, with accessible easier flex parts ("first gear") for less experienced players and mixed-level ensembles. This work is a fun and accessible way for all sections to become acclimated to playing in third position on their instrument. The inclusion of a drone string in several sections is intended to help with tuning while playing in these extended positions. The sliding glissando figure in the opening is intended to help students comfortably settle in to third position. All sections get a chance to play melodic hooks that performers will find to be catchy and fun to play. The "first gear" parts stay in first position for violin, viola, and cello, while requiring only basic G-string third position on bass. Some rhythms are also simplified. The piece only has one violin part to simplify the instruction of shifting strategies. The optional violin 2 part is simply a treble-clef viola part.