For Orchestra Programs

This section is devoted to pedagogical works, especially those written for school orchestra programs.  There should be more to come pretty soon!  :)






Free Resources:
If you end up using these resources for your orchestra program, let me know what you thought of them and especially if you have any suggestions for improvements.  Also let me know if you would like me to talk to your students about composing music or anything else!  :)

How to Contact Me

Novus Occasionem Minumum

 In order to introduce my students to several concepts I "wrote" (not quite the right word) a piece of music.  It introduces several ideas to the students:  the pentatonic scale, aleatoric music, and minimalism.  Students write down several notes from a selected set of notes in the pentatonic scale and rhythms from a set of rhythms.  These are shuffled together and selected to create a random piece of music with motives that develop as the piece progresses.

Download the score, Finale file and XML file, and the printable cards and "composition" chart.

Watz for String Orchestra

 This is a piece in 5-part Rondo form with a Walz-like tempo (hugh, surprise there).  It features all of the instruments at some point, though the Bass is a little less prominent.  The 'A' section is in D:, 'B' in A:, and the 'C' is in d:.
Prominent figures and ideas:  Up-Ups; Occasional accidentals (non-harmonic tones to add color); Hemiola figures; Melody passing from sections.
Most everything can be played in first position, except for the Bass part. String crossings are kept to a minimal.
Orchestration:  Violin I & II, Viola, Cello, and Bass.

Here are the links to download the score and parts:


Paid Resources:
Here are some resources for string programs that are pretty reasonably priced (I've got to make a living somehow):

Radioactive by Imagine Dragons, arranged for String Quartet

 This is a piece at about a 2.5 grade arranged for string quartet.  It can work very well with string orchestras (my own orchestra class has played it), and-being a song the students recognize-is a fun addition to a concert.
Some great rhythmic challenges, and every section has a chance at the melody.
Orchestration: Violin I & II, Optional Violin III (Viola in Treble Clef), Viola, and Cello.

Radioactive arrangement for $12.99 on sheetmusicplus (includes score and parts)

Hear it performed!

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