NEW!! Chorale in A for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle - score & parts

Grade: 2.5 Duration: 2'30" The entire purpose of this work is for students at this level to consolidate fine intonation using C#’s & G#’s. Every instrument gets a chance to play these notes, and some instances are more challenging than others. The rhythms & melodies are deliberately very simple so that the whole ensemble can concentrate on pure intonation, especially for these less regular notes.

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This lively, jumping piece is sure to get even the quietest student smiling! Using the keys of D & G major, Dance! is best suited to students who have been playing for 1-2 years. The key technique is the up-up bowing, prevalent through the whole piece; otherwise most of the parts are quite easy. Violas & celli should look out near the end for their C#’s!

"A Daring Escape" for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 3.5 Duration: 2'50"

Energy, high drama, suspense, intrigue…will they get away? Find out through the exploration of harmonic minor scale shapes and extended use of spiccato bowing! Ideal for the Intermediate ensemble looking for something a little challenging, this pieces gives students the opportunity to develop and consolidate a consistent spiccato bow stroke, along with frequent time signature changes which will keep everyone on their toes. Harmonic minor shapes appear throughout, giving a sense of drama to the entire work.

"Chorale & Allegro" for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 4 Duration: 4:55

Best suited to an advanced ensemble, Chorale & Allegro begins with a staggered-entry slow section, followed by an energetic Allegro which uses the main Chorale theme as its basis. Each section of the orchestra gets the melody at some stage; Violas require some treble clef, and Basses are required for this piece to work. There is plenty of room for expression at the Conductor's discretion in the Chorale, and plenty of opportunity to explore a wide dynamic range.

"Drought" for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 4 Duration: 5'26"

While this piece doesn’t appear difficult on the surface, the challenge here lies in the ensemble work. Full of effects and unusual harmonics, Drought brings to mind images of baking plains and still summer days. Opening with a viola solo, the viola section states the melody first and then passes it around, even briefly to the basses. Take plenty of time, there’s no need to rush the tempo, make lots of space to create a still feeling.

"Introduction & Theme from Witches' Dance" for String Orchestra, arranged by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 2.5 Duration: 1'50"

A well-known favourite for young string players, the Theme is as most would remember it. The addition of the abridged Introduction offers contrasting sections with different requirements from the players. In the Introduction, aim for tight ensemble in the accompanying parts and expressive playing in the 1st violins. There are many tempo changes, which gives good reason for students to watch the conductor! Hooked bowing is the main focus of the Theme, something that can be difficult for players at this stage of their development but which is of course important to master.

"Pizzicato Rush!" for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 3 Duration: 1'15"

Great as a little encore piece, Pizzicato Rush! is exciting and joyful, exploring the keys of A major and F# minor. The 1st violins carry most of the melody, while the other parts interject with fun fragments here and there. Some 2nd and 3rd position is required by 1st & 2nd violins, and some 4th position by cellos. Have fun!

"Rainstorm" for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 3 Duration: 4'09"

Beware the temptation to begin this piece too fast! The storm in the middle needs space to brew, and everyone needs time to fit in all the retakes. Set in D minor, Rainstorm begins ominously with pizzicato rain drops and a brooding melody. The height of the storm sees the full string orchestra in rhythmic unison yet dense harmonisation, which dissipates quickly and then gradually eases as the last of the storm passes. Chromatic scales are a feature in every part, and 1st & 2nd violins require some 3rd position.

"Rhumba" for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 5 Duration: 2:07

Best suited to an executive ensemble, Rhumba conjures up all the atmosphere of the romantic dance, giving each section the melody except the basses. Includes na optional 1st violin improvisation and tenor clef for celli.

"Sixteen Snippets" for Beginner String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 0.5 Duration: 17'11" total

This set presents 16 delightful pieces with piano accompaniment, designed as small performances pieces for ensembles of students in their 1st year of playing. Pieces range from open string pizzicato through to using both bow and left hand, as well as playing in unison and in parts, along with a variety of beginner-level rhythms & bowing styles. Fun for everyone! These pieces are not designed to be a tutor method, they are meant to supplement the teacher’s choice of tutor method.

Tango for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 2.5 Duration: 2'44"

An evocative work, this piece in D minor explores typical rhythms and melodic features of a Tango. Intonation challenges for students include the use of B flats & C sharps, giving plenty of opportunity for development of the technique required to play these notes in tune consistently. Modulations to F & D major make aural connections between these keys.

"Tarantella" for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 2.5 Duration:2'45"

A lively dance in 6/8 time, this Tarantella offers the opportunity for students to consolidate regular use of extended hand positions. High 3rd fingers feature in violin & viola parts, while cellos begin and end with extended 4th fingers. Opening in B Dorian, the Tarantella takes an excursion into E major in the cantabile section, a key not often explored by younger ensembles but full of delightful harmonies once the challenges of the extended hand positions are met. See how fast you can play at the end!

"Variations on a Sea Shanty" for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle

Grade: 2 Duration: 2'57"

Based on the old Sea Shanty “What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor?”, this piece offers experience and consolidation of selected elementary bowings, mixed with the fun of harmonics both in 1st & 4th positions. The piano plays a supporting role and is not essential to a full performance. Similarly, the piece can be played without double basses if necessary without loss of the bass line.