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STRING ENSEMBLE

Stringpops
Wilson, Peter

Stringpops are flexible arrangements of pieces for young string players - perfect for concerts or just for fun! Arranged by Peter Wilson, they are scored for violin, optional viola, cello and double bass (and no higher than Grade 2 standard), plus additional open string parts so that beginners can be included. The book contains a score, whilst the accompanying enhanced-CD features piano accompaniments and printable instrumental parts (in pdf files), which offers added flexibility for rehearsal and performance.

Stringfest
Cohen, Mary

Stringfest is a collection of popular melodies imaginatively arranged for string groups by Mary Cohen. The music has been arranged with extra flexibility to cater for a variety of abilities and situations, with each piece including duet parts (grades 2-3) that can be used independently, as well as very simple parts for the absolute beginner. The later titles are in a Stringfest pack format, which is uniquely helpful for the teacher and includes a piano score and an enhanced-CD of printable string parts for each instrument as pdf files. The CD also features piano accompaniment backing tracks for extra help with practice and performance.

“The inclusion of parts for absolute beginners means that everyone from small to tall can join in…Mary’s creative teaching ideas will liven up your lessons. For the novice teacher they provide a stimulus to planning classes, while for the experienced teacher fresh ideas are always welcome.”

Stringendo, April 2003

O Shenandoah!
Waterfield, Polly and Beach, Louise

This is a celebration of music from the time when the pioneers first explored the vast reaches of North America. It presents eleven imaginative and idiomatic arrangements for elementary strings with piano accompaniment. Helpful background notes assist young players in understanding the style and spirit of the music. The books can also be used individually providing straightforward and interesting repertoire both for soloists and beginner quartets. This is a great way to introduce ensemble playing to young instrumentalists.

“This is a lovely volume of lyrical songs which suit the cello very well… The piano frequently has the melody and the cellist can have lots of fun in the accompanying role, experimenting with harmonics, col legno, syncopated rhythms, strumming chords and snap pizz… The edition gives lots of helpful comments throughout… The inclusion of words to many of the songs helps guide the player to the ebb and flow of the music. Singing the words could work particularly well in either group lessons or ensembles, especially calling out ‘Groundhog’ at the right moment.”

Cat Jary, ESTA News and Views, Spring 2004

Superduets!
Cohen, Mary

Superduets provide a wonderful repertoire of original and entertaining duets for absolute beginner string players. Each piece starts with a 'rhythm and beat rehearsal' which then leads into the concert piece; either part can be played by the pupils. All the pieces in these books are compatible with Superduets for other instruments, so they can be used with mixed groups too. Superduets are perfect for basic orchestral or chamber music training, as well as school concerts.

“Superduets 1 and 2 are both winners for beginner violinists and offer some exciting ways of introducing the basics of music reading and violin technique, together with ensemble training ...There is excellent material here for developing the basics of ensemble playing…”

Music Teacher

Winter Soundscapes
Cohen, Mary

Winter Soundscapes is a collection of seven evocative sound pictures for string quartet, which conjure up the landscapes and feelings of a traditional hard winter. The pieces contrast one another, with relaxed fireside scenes next to relentless snowstorms, allowing young players to experiment with a number of styles and techniques. This is a great alternative to carols for December concerts and suitable for working on long after Christmas too. Intermediate string quartet (Grade 4–6) with violin 3 alternative to viola.

“These seven original pieces for intermediate string quartet (grades 4-6) bring winter right into the middle of the music room! The descriptive titles…are magnificently brought to life in the music. Use is made of violin techniques, which students at this level will have covered, as well as foot stamping, yawns and noisy drinking sounds! This is an ideal selection for use at this end of term concert.”

SMA Bulletin