• For first year string groups
• Limited parts (often, 2nd violin and viola are the same part, cello and bass are the same part)
• Limited as to keys, rhythms (only simple eighth-note patterns) and independence of parts
• Playable after limited study time
• First position and natural bowings
• Piano for rehearsal and reinforcement

Ancient Hunters

Sean O'Loughlin

This piece was inspired by a cross country trip where the music reflects the composer's impressions of Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Ancient Hunters is the name of a lookout point in this impressive natural formation. The modal construction of this piece brings a serious quality that your students will love and will make you ensemble sound powerful. 01 Ancient Hunters.mp3 Level: Beginning String Orchestra Duration: 2:12 Key: A Minor BAS29 - Set $38.00 BAS29F - Full Score $6.00 BAS29P - Parts $2.75

Cho Cho Dances

Keiko Yamada

Cho Cho is the Japanese word for butterfly. The piece is intended to depict the graceful flight and beauty of butterflies. Yamada draws on the traditional sounds of her heritage to present this unique piece for beginning strings. 02 Cho Cho Dances.mp3 Level: Beginning String Orchestra Duration: 2:57 Key: D Major BAS30 - Set $38.00 BAS30F - Full Score $6.00 BAS30P - Parts $2.75

Song of the Volga Boatman

arranged by Doris Gazda

Here is a new arrangement by Doris Gazda for beginning strings of one of the most recognizable folk songs of all-time. Optional part for bells, tone blocks or chimes give teachers the opportunity to involve students not part of the ensemble in a performance with your string orchestra. 03 Song of the Volga Boatman.mp3 Level: Beginning String Orchestra Duration: 2:13 Key: A Minor BAS31 - Set $38.00 BAS31F - Full Score $6.00 BAS31P - Parts $2.75

Busy as a Bee

Joseph Compello

This piece keeps everyone in the orchestra “busy” playing some important melodic material. The rhythmic pattern in this piece is an exceptionally good method for teaching very young string students how to play repeated eighth-notes at the frog and at the tip of the bow. Composer Joseph Compello has created a delightful showcase for beginning strings that will be the highlight of any concert. 04 Busy As a Bee.mp3 Level: Beginning String Orchestra Duration: 1:46 Key: D Major BAS32 - Set $38.00 BAS32F - Full Score $6.00 BAS32P - Parts $2.75

Good News Blues

Carl Strommen

Teach young string players to play swing with this fun blues influenced piece written in a standard 12 bar blues form. Carl Strommen, a composer who has devoted his career to composing excellent teaching pieces in the jazz style for chorus and band now turns his attention to string players. The “swinging” eighth notes and added ride cymbal part give this piece just the right touch! 05 Good News Blues.mp3 Level: Beginning String Orchestra Duration: 1:42 Key: D Major BAS33 - Set $38.00 BAS33F - Full Score $6.00 BAS33P - Parts $2.75