The Rock Canyon Club is a rollicking hoedown piece written in three sections (fast, slow, fast). It begins its jubilant ride with an exciting sixteenth-note-driven theme in the opening bar. The overall approach is a lively “edge of your seat” fiddling style, and each section of the string orchestra is featured in this animated Americana piece.

Tchaikovsky’s Humoresque was written in December 1871 and January 1872 for piano. Performed by countless pianists, this adaptation gives young string students the opportunity to experience this fantastic work. Stylistically true to the original, this setting should prove to be a standard in the string orchestra repertoire.

Confluence, named for a word which means the converging of people or objects, is a dramatic work for the maturing string orchestra. Lush, lyrical, and full of expressive possibilities, Confluence will really improve the musicianship of your orchestra.

Sinfonietta is an exceptional piece from a lesser-known classical composer, Domenico Cimarosa. Doris Gazda’s expert arrangement has provided string orchestras the opportunity to play this wonderful work originally written for flute quartet. It is a multi-movement work of substantial proportions, and would function nicely as an alternative classical piece for contest/festival.

.

Windjammers were among the grandest of all sailing vessels, and the power of these magnificent ships is reflected in the energetic pulse that drives Windjammer. Composer Carl Strommen has also included a well-written mini-fugue section that continues to mirror the drive and majesty of these ships. This work is a tour-de-force for advancing ensembles, ideal for a contest/festival performance or any concert.

The music of Gustav Mahler is some of the most emotional music in the symphonic repertoire. Arranger Lauren Keiser has adapted this classic movement from Mahler’s 5th Symphony for school ensembles and has tamed some of the technical demands without losing the musical integrity of this magnificent work. Much of the harp part has been successfully written into the cello part. Should a harp player be available, an optional harp/piano part is provided.