Whenever the Light, for string orchestra
SKU:
$12.00
$12.00
per item
Level 1.5, COMPLETE SET (full score, string parts and optional piano part)
Price includes one download of each file including the full score and parts (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass). Download either at checkout OR using the links provided in the confirmation email. Permission is given for duplication of sufficient additional copies as needed for the number of players in your ensemble.
This G major adaptation of the traditional Welsh song, “The Ash Grove,” is for a developing string orchestra, perhaps late in the first year or in second year orchestra, employs some sustained bowings, cello 1st position 4th finger, and C naturals. Built around a familiar and beautifully lyrical tune, the piece provides a great opportunity for students to apply several specific skills, as they are learned:
The piece begins with the melody presented by cellos, incorporating 4th finger D and C natural on the A string, accompanied by basses and violas. Violas sustain some of the cellos’ 4th finger melody notes with unisons employing their more secure fingerings (open, 1, 2 or 3, on C and G strings) while also creating simple suspensions and pedal tones. Basses have a sustained bass line using open strings, 1st finger and C natural on the A string. Basses, cellos and violas are then joined by 2nd violins, and later 1st violins playing additional countermelodies, as violas harmonize the cello melody. Finally, about half way through the arrangement, 1st violins take the melody, supported first by sustained harmony and then by harmony and countermelody.
The title, “Whenever the Light” comes from this less familiar verse of “The Ash Grove”:
“The ash grove how graceful, how plainly is speaking -
The wind through it playing has language for me.
Whenever the light, through its branches, is breaking
A host of kind faces is gazing on me.”
And this comment just in (used with permission):
"My 6th graders have been working on Whenever the Light. They are loving that one. My cellos are super excited they get a big melody section. Thank you for the literature!"
Shelby Montgomery
Orchestra Director
Lakeland Highlands (Florida) Middle School
And from Frankie, a member of the 6th grade orchestra:
"I love "Whenever the Light". It was the number 1 song that my orchestra and I played in the spring concert that we played this year. It gave us, every time we played it, goose-bumps. I play the cello."
The piece begins with the melody presented by cellos, incorporating 4th finger D and C natural on the A string, accompanied by basses and violas. Violas sustain some of the cellos’ 4th finger melody notes with unisons employing their more secure fingerings (open, 1, 2 or 3, on C and G strings) while also creating simple suspensions and pedal tones. Basses have a sustained bass line using open strings, 1st finger and C natural on the A string. Basses, cellos and violas are then joined by 2nd violins, and later 1st violins playing additional countermelodies, as violas harmonize the cello melody. Finally, about half way through the arrangement, 1st violins take the melody, supported first by sustained harmony and then by harmony and countermelody.
The title, “Whenever the Light” comes from this less familiar verse of “The Ash Grove”:
“The ash grove how graceful, how plainly is speaking -
The wind through it playing has language for me.
Whenever the light, through its branches, is breaking
A host of kind faces is gazing on me.”
And this comment just in (used with permission):
"My 6th graders have been working on Whenever the Light. They are loving that one. My cellos are super excited they get a big melody section. Thank you for the literature!"
Shelby Montgomery
Orchestra Director
Lakeland Highlands (Florida) Middle School
And from Frankie, a member of the 6th grade orchestra:
"I love "Whenever the Light". It was the number 1 song that my orchestra and I played in the spring concert that we played this year. It gave us, every time we played it, goose-bumps. I play the cello."