Sharp/Natural Blues, for String Orchestra, Level 1, complete materials
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$18.00
$18.00
per item
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.
Sharp/Natural Blues was composed about 20 years ago for my own first year string students to introduce several important skills in an enjoyable way. It has been revised and adapted (for specific needs in individual years) many times over the years and always remained popular with the students. This is my best attempt to create a "one size fits all" version that should work well with most first year groups.
1. All first-year students face the challenge of mastering the whole step from E to F#, and the half step from E to F. By incorporating a blues scale, this "D Major" piece is full of both F's and F#'s, and also both C# and C natural, so every playing offers great practice and promotes development of better intonation.
2. The rhythms in the tune introduce a feeling of syncopation within a technically simple pattern of four eighth notes; students can enjoy the syncopation in music they can also play with great confidence.
3. The accompaniments to the main tune are quite simple but they are also very different from the main tune, encouraging musical independence as well as an appreciation for the importance of both melody and accompaniment.
4. Finally, this piece provides a fun, supportive context for students to explore solo improvisation, accompanied by the orchestra. Instructions are provided below to explain how to adapt the piece for short (4 bar) solos by every player, or a few longer solos by selected individuals, or a combination of the two approaches, including members of any section of the orchestra.
1. All first-year students face the challenge of mastering the whole step from E to F#, and the half step from E to F. By incorporating a blues scale, this "D Major" piece is full of both F's and F#'s, and also both C# and C natural, so every playing offers great practice and promotes development of better intonation.
2. The rhythms in the tune introduce a feeling of syncopation within a technically simple pattern of four eighth notes; students can enjoy the syncopation in music they can also play with great confidence.
3. The accompaniments to the main tune are quite simple but they are also very different from the main tune, encouraging musical independence as well as an appreciation for the importance of both melody and accompaniment.
4. Finally, this piece provides a fun, supportive context for students to explore solo improvisation, accompanied by the orchestra. Instructions are provided below to explain how to adapt the piece for short (4 bar) solos by every player, or a few longer solos by selected individuals, or a combination of the two approaches, including members of any section of the orchestra.