Compositions for students by Paul Seitz

Symphony Orchestra Music

The Thought of Returning

Symphony Orchestra, Level 6. 2003. Cambium Music Publications/Subito Music, publisher.

In the Moment's Light

Symphony Orchestra, Level 6. 1998. Cambium Music Publications/Subito Music, publisher.

Audio Sample (MP3) Excerpt, 1999 Virginia All State Orchestra

String Orchestra Music

A Winter Wind

String Orchestra, 2007. Level 3.

Latham Music, Ltd., Publisher (available by early 2008).

Here are some nice words from the "TOP CHOICES" publication for 2008 by Stanton's Sheet Music, a major supplier of educational music online and in Columbus, Ohio (home of the excellent string ed program at Ohio State):

"TEACH • independent parts • shifting • aural awareness

Asking for divisi in all parts except basses and then using the aurally fascinating technique of the same part being played pizzicato and arco at the same time, this follow up to Seitz’s best-selling Iowa Spring will bring chills, not only because of the subject matter, but also because of the sound produced. As the piece continues, there is increasing independence between parts and shifting is required for everyone (even seconds!) but at the quarter note=60 even the multiple sixteenth notes aren’t that fast. Educationally sound and ear opening for students and audience! What a cool treat!

Audio Sample (MP3)

The glacier stopped here...

String Orchestra, 2005. Level 4.

This piece was commissioned in 2005 by the Middleton (Wisconsin) High School Orchestra. See also the description of this residency on the "Residencies and Clinics" page.

Iowa Spring

String Orchestra, 2004. Level 2. Latham Music, Ltd., Publisher (2006).

This piece was commissioned in 2004 by the West Des Moines, IA Public Schools and was premiered by their District Orchestra. See also the description of this residency and a related Des Moines Register article on the "Residencies and Clinics" page. Iowa Spring has also been selected for performance at the 2006 Texas Music Educators Association conference and will be performed at the 2006 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic by the Winter Park, Florida, High School Orchestra, Charles Laux, director. (Click here for a RealPlayer video of the performance of Iowa Spring at Midwest Clinic.) This piece is a 2006/2007 J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice" selection. The editor writes:

"If Copland had written for easy level strings, it would have been something like this. There's a wide open sound here, thanks to the rich writing that includes open strings, open fifths, simple harmonics and just the right amount of silence. Very nicely done!"

Audio Sample (MP3)-- a beautiful live recording provided by the publisher.

Sailing to America

String Orchestra, 1998. Level 2.5. Latham Music, Ltd., Publisher.

This piece has been performed at the 2003 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic (Chicago), and by the New York Metroplitan Youth Orchestra in Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, New York, among other venues.

Audio Sample (MP3) 2004 Midwest Clinic Performance by Las Vegas Academy Chamber Strings

From the Wood

String Orchestra, 1992. Level 4. Paul Seitz Music Publications.

This piece was commissioned as part of a "Meet the Composer" residency with the Marquette, Michigan, High School Orchestras, Janis Shier Peterson, director.

This piece will be performed at the 2007 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic by the Duluth (Georgia) High School Chamber Orchestra, Peter Lemonds and Shawn Morton, directors, December 19, 2:30 p.m., Merle Reskin Theatre. 60 E. Balbo Drive Chicago.

Live Recording (excerpt) (MP3)

Bossie's Lunar Leap

String Orchestra and Narrator, 1992. Level 1.5. Paul Seitz Music Publications.

This piece was written for my own students in the Katonah-Lewisboro (NY) School District, which premiered it.

Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (arrangement)

String Orchestra with Tenor, or Cello, Soloist, 2002. Level 3. Alliance Music Publications.

Alone/Together

String Orchestra, 1985, Level 3. Paul Seitz Music Publications.

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