SKU: A0.784347

1 Octave Scale Studies in 15+ keys for 4-part ensembles of like or mixed instruments

If this is your first exposure to these scale studies, you are in for a treat! Donuts, if you make a mistake!

The initial incarnation of these studies were written for trombone quartet and we would play them in the Tennessee Tech Trombone Choir with the challenge that whomever made the first mistake had to buy donuts for the rest of the ensemble. Since then I have brought that version to several clinics and warm up sessions. One time before I got to explain the title, a fellow trombone professor said, Oh, I get it! Don’t step in the holes!

I only wish I had thought of that myself... Since we have one of the best donut shops in TN here in Cookeville, treating the studio to sugar coated goodies was always my intent.

As with those initial exercises, you can vary these as much as you’d like.

·     Choose a tempo.

·     Choose a dynamic.

·     Choose an articulation/style.

One way I like to play these is to have one person be the model, playing the entire scale over and over while everyone else plays the fragmented versions. That helps everyone to keep on track and stay in time. Double or triple up the parts for ensemble cohesion with a larger group.

Practice one key, gradually speeding it up to improve fluidity, or choose a variation and take it through all keys, playing version A, B, C, or D then skipping to play the same set in a new key.

If you want an additional challenge, play them in different octaves or change the key. Play the F Major set in f minor (all forms), different modes, etc. Players really have to be on their toes to remember if they are playing melodic minor in the ascending or descending form! For jazz players, try swinging them in dorian or mixolydian modes.

The variations are endless!

If you are using these with transposing instruments, 1) is F Major in Concert Pitch, 2) is Bb Major in Concert pitch, and so on. When you reach a scale that is enharmonic for another key (Db/C#, Gb/F#, or Cb/B), they are presented in both keys for each instrument so Trumpets can play in Eb while the Flutes are playing in C# with similar examples for all keys.

All Donut Etudes with the same volume number are compatible so you can play them in mixed quartets or large ensembles with one or more instruments/people on part 1 and a different instrument on part 2, etc. Since the quartets are all identical, conductors/coaches can use any of the scores to tell which part should be playing at what time. Once you have played a scale with one set of parts, everyone can rotate to a different part and play the same scales again!

Enjoy!

SKU: A0.1047396

Not only will this arrangement of It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) catch the attention of the older crowd, but it's sure to get your younger audience more engaged! Don't be surprised if you get your audience up and dancing with this one! Visit dflatstrings.com for more string arrangements.

SKU: A0.583710

Here is Ringo's 2nd big hit after the breakup of The Beatles. In the original key from the Ringo album, this song was performed at The Concert for Bangla Desh and is on that record set (if you can find it now) including Ringo going blank on one of the verses. Duration = 3:02. Visit my websites: https://jefftincher.wixsite.com/sheetmusic, https://jefftincher.wixsite.com/music, https://www.facebook.com/jefftincherpublishing

SKU: A0.1361498

Dónde Está Santa Claus- for String Quartet with opt. Bass is a playful and festive Christmas song that has delighted audiences for decades. Translating to Where is Santa Claus in English, this cheerful tune captures the excitement and curiosity surrounding Santa's whereabouts on Christmas Eve. The catchy melody and upbeat tempo of Donde Está Santa Claus make it a fun and memorable for your audiences. This Latin tinged Christmas song will be a welcomed addition to your holiday library. Intermediate level.

SKU: A0.977363

(Don't Fear) The Reaper was Blue Öyster Cult's best known single and their biggest hit. Written and sung by lead guitarist Donald Roeser, (Don't Fear) The Reaper appeared on the album Agents of Fortune in 1976 in a longer version and is considered one of the all-time rock classics of all time. Remember folks, that's ALL TIME; not just Halloween.

You can find out a lot more about Blue Öyster Cult on their official website here: http://www.blueoystercult.com/

This arrangement for string quartet is a relatively straight-forward idiomatic transcription in the same tonality as the original recording, so you could even play along with it for fun.

N.B.: There could have been more markings, such as accents, in the 'cello part. Driving your quartet's rock-groove is at the cellist's discretion.

The level is on the easier side of advanced; quickly rehearsed by professional quartets and an accessible challenge for experienced students.

Enjoy!

SKU: A0.732692

All of the charm and heartwarming emotion is captured in this beautiful arrangement for String Quartet.  The violinists trade off playing the much-loved melody while the others have fun playing the jazzy harmony parts.  Audiences will love hearing this arrangement at a wedding or for any other joyful occasion.
     
If you take a peek at:  Prudon String Ensembles Sheet Music, you'll find tons of other nice string arrangements.

SKU: A0.881367

Rigaudon is the fourth dance in Ravel’s popular piano suite Le Tombeau de Couperin and one of the most well known.. Ravel liked Le Tombeau so much that he later orchestrated four of the dances, ending with Rigaudon. Arranged by accomplished violinist Ted Lucas, who has decades of string quartet experience, this lively dance is a perfect concert-opener or an ideal closer as an encore. This is the only piece in Le Tombeau where Ravel did not include a metronome marking, so it can be played at any spritely tempo you are comfortable with. Take a listen to part of it.

SKU: A0.815520

Great song from the 80's. Use for prelude, reception, wedding, or any special occasion. Melody is high enough to be easily heard outdoors. 1st violin and viola require shifting.

SKU: A0.719579

September 11, 2001 has had a profound affect on many people, not the least of which is the composer of this work. Written the month following the tragic events of 9/11, it is a reflection of the chaotic times in which we live. Originally written for SATB chorus and strings, Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace) is a prayer for peace to the loving God of all people, that out of our current discord peace and harmony may come to all humanity. In this setting a string quartet plays what was originally the choral part. It can also be played by a fuller ensemble creating a double string orchestra arrangement. The work is in three sections (ABA) with a coda. Throughout these sections the melody wanders in search of a harmonious resting point. In the B section the quartet and strings part ways and resonate increased dissonance. The second A section exactly duplicates the first. The work concludes with an ever-increasing sense of harmonious repose. The listener may hear occasional reflections of Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings or Pavane for a Dead Princess by Maurice Ravel. Dona Nobis Pacem was premiered as a choral work in May 2003 by the combined choirs of the John Duss Music Conservatory, Duluth MN, and Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Superior WI, under the direction of the composer. It is purely coincidental that there are 191 measures in the work......the numbers in the date of 9/11. Contains full score and parts.

SKU: A0.569128

The famous Christmas carol comes along as an easy and relaxed swinging song. It is the best choice for your upcoming Christmas concerts! Your musicians and your audience will love it! Enjoy!  

Instrumentation:  Violin 1/2, Viola 1/2, Cello 1/2 - 2 Viols, 2 Violas + Cello or  2 Viols, 1 Viola + 2 Cellos            

Listen to the recording - a challenge for your ensemble.  Please don't forget to review your purchase - you will help other musicians to choose the perfect arrangement for their ensemble. Thank you very much!              

Check out our latest uploads:  http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/thomas-graf-the-hit-factory-com/smp-press/3001412+1303131?N...                      Any individual arrangement and substitute parts are available on request. Call +49 (0) 172 2515987 E-Mail: info@the-hit-factory.com. www.the-hit-factory.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hitfactorymusic              

Video: https://www.youtu.be/qCTynqWSQOQ

SKU: A0.530945

The origin of the tune was for a long time somewhat mysterious, as no other collector of folk tunes encountered it, and all known examples are descended from Ms. Ross’ submission to Petrie’s collection (1855). The title of the air comes from the name of the county located in Northern Ireland. The air was collected by Jane Ross of Limavady, County Londonderry, who heard it played by an itinerant piper or fiddler. The descendants of blind fiddler Jimmy McCurry assert that he is the musician from whom she transcribed the tune but there is no historical evidence to support this speculation. The tune was listed as an anonymous air, with a note attributing its collection to Jane Ross of Londonderry. This led to the descriptive title Londonderry Air being used for the piece

SKU: A0.1490683

Ding Dong! Merrily on High is a well-loved Christmas carol with a rich history that connects secular and sacred traditions. Here are the key points to know about this festive song:

Origins and Composition

Melody: The tune of Ding Dong! Merrily on High derives from a secular French dance song titled Branle de l’Official, published in 1588 by Thoinot Arbeau, a French cleric and composer. The original piece was part of a collection that included dance instructions and melodies from the Renaissance period.

Lyrics: The English lyrics were written by George Ratcliffe Woodward in the early 20th century. An Anglican priest, Woodward published the carol in 1924 as part of The Cambridge Carol Book. His text celebrates the joy of Christmas, echoing the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth as described in Luke 2:13-14.
Themes and Significance

Joyful Celebration: The lyrics express a jubilant celebration of the Christmas season, invoking imagery of bells ringing and angels singing. The refrain Gloria, hosannah in excelsis! reflects the joyous proclamation of peace and goodwill associated with the birth of Christ.

Cultural Impact: Over the years, Ding Dong! Merrily on High has become a staple in Christmas caroling and church services, appreciated for its lively and dance-like rhythm. Its playful nature makes it a favorite among singers and listeners, contributing to its enduring popularity during the holiday season.
Musical Characteristics

Structure: The carol features a catchy refrain and a structure that invites participation, making it suitable for group singing. The melody's ascending lines mimic the sound of ringing bells, enhancing its festive spirit.

Public Domain Status: As of January 1, 2020, the song entered the public domain in the United States, allowing for broader access and use in various musical arrangements and performances.

Ding Dong! Merrily on High stands as a joyful reminder of the Christmas story, blending historical melodies with contemporary celebration, making it a cherished part of holiday traditions.

SKU: A0.731809

This may differ from what O' Carolan had intended, as it has been re-arranged in a classical style, with copious articulations, dynamic markings and changes of texture. It is however a very fine piece which exploits the potential of his compositions to be transferred to other ensembles. A very good student or amateur quartet will enjoy the modern nuances in the off-beat rhythms, and will relish the opportunity to turn the piece into a highly effective concert item. As always, it is possible to juxtapose two O Carolan tunes. This one could be preceded by a slow movement such as O' Carolan's Devotion.