String Orchestra

Elliot's superb writing for string groups is evident in his new suite of folk dance songs. This outstanding edition can fill that multicultural segment of your next program with three traditional tunes from the rich heritage of Eastern European music. Includes: Meadows Green, Spring the Madcap, and Walking at Night.

String teachers have come to enjoy the the skilled arrangements of John Leavitt, and his treatment of this Handel classic is one of his best yet. Three famous themes have been arranged in a short suite of dances that capture the baroque style with carefully designed ensemble and inner part writing. Includes: Hornpipe, Aire and Allegro. Dur: 4:20

A clever, lighthearted finish to your holiday program! With the never-ending goal to keep the concert short, here's the essence (nine themes) of the classic ballet, honed down to three minutes or less. Stage it with a big hourglass-type egg timer, or with a projected digital stopwatch and let the audience watch as your orchestra works toward the finish. For added drama, Lloyd has provided an optional accelerando (molto, if need be) in the Trepak finale, to bring it in under the wire. Dur: 3:00

Good teaching pieces that also have programming appeal are always in demand for developing programs. Lloyd Conley's suite offers several possibilties with optional parts for recorders (or flute and oboe) along with opportunities to use minstrel-style percussion and harpsichord (found on most synthesizers). The authentic sound, along with Lloyd's superb writing for young strings, gives you a fresh new choice in literature.

Three memorable themes from renowned film composer John Williams are included in this sensitive musical montage. John Moss has captured the emotion and musical drama of these award-winning film scores with his arrangement that includes: Schindler's List, Angela's Ashes, and Hymn to the Fallen (from Saving Private Ryan).

A nostalgic visit to one of pop music's instrumental hits of the '60s, here is the Latin-flavored tune made popular by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. A great number for teaching easy syncopation.