2022 Editors' Choice Selections for String and Full Orchestra

This rocking piece for beginning strings is based on the interval of a perfect fifth - thus the title! Students can practice easy string crossings on open strings, simple rhythms, and stepwise finger

This classical-sounding original work features a range of textures, dynamics, and articulation while highlighting a stately dotted motif using hooked bowing patterns throughout. Though written primarily in

Aliens are attacking... from the attic! Your beginning orchestra will love this fun programmatic work. Violins and violas play tense staccato ostinatos while the cellos and bass play an ominous melody below

Written to celebrate an amazing orchestra teacher's retirement, this piece strives to capture the joyful things, the emotional, loving, and supportive things – literally All the Things.

Give your students the opportunity to learn Romantic-era playing techniques as well perform some of the most beloved classical literature from one of its greatest composers. This very authentic

This exceptional arrangement will give more developed string musicians a broader knowledge of the classical repertoire as well as experience with Baroque-style playing techniques.

A fresh new opportunity for orchestra musicians to step outside the normal styles and explore swing and bluesy harmonies. Each instrument also has the opportunity to work slides as well as more advanced

A delightful work that brings to mind fond childhood memories of playing in the creek. Lush harmonies and beautiful legato melodies create a delightful setting, and lots of independent lines open up the

Here is a stunning cinematic reimagining of the classic carol. Reminiscent of Vaughan Williams, this arrangement is packed with dramatic suspensions, dense harmonies, and a little Golden Age of

Enjoy a trip to the rolling hills and galloping horses of Bluegrass country. This great original work delivers a very tuneful nod to old Appalachian-style dance music while providing an excellent exercise

This engaging piece for string orchestra is appropriate for any time of the year but is especially fun for a summer orchestra concert. Arco Polo is a musical depiction of the well-known

This teaching piece is equally accessible in the classroom as it is on the performance stage. Everyone in the orchestra has meaningful parts which are used to highlight a vast array of orchestration colors,

This mysterious hunt for ancient artifacts reveals important pedagogical concepts, including staccato, accents, bow lifts, pizzicato, dynamics, and fourth finger. Written in B minor with optional piano,

No family of instruments has the ability to portray the classic Western sound more than strings, and this wonderful work takes full advantage. From dance-like motifs to singing, picturesque melodies, this

In this orchestral excerpt from Joseph Bologne's only surviving opera, L'Amant Anonyme (The Anonymous Lover), students will learn how to play in the Classical-era style, 6/8 meter at a

Experience a contest of strength, bravery, and determination. With constant momentum and energy, the music explores a range of articulations and dynamics as each section competes for supremacy. Bravado,

This spirited mashup combines the well-known holiday tunes Carol of the Bells and God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Set in E Dorian, this arrangement avoids passages with

Cleverly combining the holiday favorites We Three Kings and Carol of the Bells, this very accessible arrangement gives all sections the opportunity to perform the melody. The piece

A tense and driving opening theme fueled by dissonance, pulsing eighth notes, and eighth-note accents contrasts with a smooth and legato B theme to create this exciting original work that explores the full

Let your students experience some of Bach's most famous melodies as they explore themes from Brandenburg Concertos 2, 3, and 5 in this single-movement arrangement. The

This driving and heroic piece is nonstop action from beginning to end. A bold main theme with pulsating eighth notes and biting rhythms and sharp accents creates a vivid image of heroes called to action.

The energy and excitement of this thrilling overture are exquisitely captured in an approachable setting for intermediate orchestra! Equally suited as an opener, closer, or anything in between, your

A clever and unexpected mash-up of Ukrainian Bell Carol and House of the Rising Sun - wait until you hear them played together! A fun addition to your holiday

This lively and authentic transcription of a work for solo piano begins with a march and then moves into a two-step. Your musicians will learn a variety of 6/8 rhythms as well as develop their skills in