String Orchestra

Red-Haired Boy is a traditional Irish reel that has become a standard tune in the American old-time and bluegrass musicians' repertoire. This arrangement combines non-traditional phrase structures and an extended introduction as well as syncopated accompaniment patterns and variations on the basic melody. Deer in the Headlights, based on the traditional American fiddle tune Forked Deer, is a hoe-down contrasted with a funky ostinato melody, featuring prominent pauses - the deer caught in the headlights. This tune is a favorite with composer and arranger Carlson's audiences.

Immediately recognizable and always fun to move to, these James Brown funk tunes are sure to win over your audience. The driving interlocking rhythms, the short melodic and rhythmic phrases, and the bluesy harmonic vocabulary help to make these two pieces quintessential funk. Stretch yourself as a string player by allowing rhythm to master the timing rather than melody. Bring out a nice crunchy sound by chopping. Experiment and improvise with soloing. You're sure to enliven your repertoire with these contemporary string tunes.

Beginning string ensembles will enjoy Mimi's Minor Mambo, a dance tune inspired by the traditional Afro-Cuban music played by the Caribbean island nation's charanga ensembles. Charanga, sometimes called the grandfather of salsa, combines several European musical ideas - such as harmony, instrumentation, and form - with the complex rhythmic structures of Afro-Cuban music. Sambasaurus is inspired by Brazilian samba. Expand your skill sets by playing these two originals with your string quintet or student string orchestra.

Incorporate these Scottish airs into your set as a nice break from faster tunes. Arranged for advanced beginning or intermediate string orchestra, these two slow tunes in the key of G are somber, yet neither is in a minor key. Tonight My Sleep Will Be Restless is a traditional Argyllshire air of unknown authorship first printed in a 1784 book. The easier of the two pieces, Lamentation for James Moray of Abercarney, should be played with a great deal of rubato. Enjoy its simple beauty.