String Orchestra - Level 1 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.527308
Composed by Michelle Taylor-Cohen. Children,Contemporary,Standards. Score and parts. 36 pages. Saturn Strings #5042473. Published by Saturn Strings (A0.527308).
This little suite for beginner string orchestra aims to put into practice as many of the different technical aspects of the ABRSM Grade 1 exam as possible, whilst remaining a fun piece to play!
The cheerful first movement is in D major. There is some use of open string double stops and a chance for the 2nd violins to show off their left hand pizzicato, whilst the legato cello melody in the middle section explores the 1234 chromatic finger pattern.
The short second movement, which is really no more than a brief interlude, is in A major, and provides the opportunity to focus on controlling slurs and legato bowing. 4th fingers instead of open Es in the 1st violins are desirable but not compulsory!
Finally, the third Latin-inspired movement is a syncopation-filled exploration of the E minor natural scale. If you have some percussion instruments at hand please feel free to get creative and add them in wherever you like!
The piece can be played without double basses, but if there are none it might be an idea for one desk of cellos to cover the bass part in the first movement middle section.
3rd violins are only necessary if there are no violas, or if violas need an extra boost!