Various Levels for String Orchestra
and
FULL ORCHESTRA
Ablaze - This fierce concert piece takes the orchestra on an exciting musical journey. Students will be challenged to perform with various emotional styles, including both intense and legato melodies.
Check it out here.
Catchy Song - Another great hit from The LEGO® Movies! Sure to please audiences and players, this infectious tune with a terrific groove is designed to get stuck in your head. Arranged by Chris M. Bernotas, Catchy Song is from The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part.
Check it out here.
Dancing Kites - This gentle piece will float around your performance hall. With a light, memorable melody and rich harmonies, Dancing Kites, an original composition by Chris Bernotas, will expose your students to musical subtleties and nuance, developing their abilities to perform in a lyrical style. They will love performing this piece. Correlates to Sound Innovations Book 2 level 2.
Check it out here.
Dolce - Dolce by Chris M. Bernotas will make your young string orchestra sound full and mature. Smooth flowing melodies and rich harmonies are presented to all sections of the orchestra. Featuring a variety of dynamics, this piece will provide a wonderful opportunity to teach phrasing to your students. Dolce, which means sweet, is the perfect selection for any concert setting.
Check it out here.
Hoedown at the Holidays - This piece will get you ready to saddle up for the Christmas rush. Two familiar tunes, "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World," are set with a fun, western flair. "Silent Night" features the use of portamento as a special effect, bringing the cowboy swagger to your string orchestra. The excitement picks up with a faster tempo and upbeat rhythms for the hoedown treatment of "Joy to the World." Once your students play this one they will want to sit by the fireplace and swap their favorite Christmas stories! (Correlates with Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 2, level 2).
Check it out here.
It Takes Two - This appealing tango is full of drama and passion, with an aggressive, dark theme and strong rhythm. Each member of the ensemble gets a moment in the spotlight and will surely enjoy achieving the challenges of their part.
Check it out here.
Puttin on the Pizz - This title features Alfred Music's String Orchestra FLEX options. That means that every part in this set is now transposed into every other part, so you can play this title with any combination of like- or mixed-string ensemble.
Puttin' on the Pizz by Chris Bernotas is sure to become a favorite selection of students and directors. The descending bass line sets the stage for this fun piece. All notes stay in first position and the string orchestra plays pizzicato throughout. Students also have the chance to act as the percussion section. With the optional use of 'swinging' eighth notes, Puttin' on the Pizz could be a fun way to introduce a jazzy style to the string orchestra. Everyone in the audience (and in the orchestra) will be tapping their toes to this piece. Violin 2 and Viola are doubled, as are Cello and String Bass, which will work perfectly for younger string orchestras. Correlated to Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 1, Level 4.
Check it out here.
Robot Factory - Special effects, pizzicato, and a variety of dynamics will make Robot Factory by Chris M. Bernotas exciting for your beginning orchestra students. The key of E minor provides a dark sound, and all sections get to play the energetic melody! This piece will be a great feature or perfect closer to any contest or concert. Correlated to Sound Innovations from String Orchestra, Book 1, Level 4.
Check it out here.
Sparks - Light up the concert hall with energy and excitement! A variety of textures and techniques are featured while everyone in the string orchestra has an important role. Well suited as a concert closer or festival piece, your students will want to play this one again and again.
Check it out here.
The Reel Deal - The Reel Deal by Chris M. Bernotas will be one of your students' favorite pieces. This original reel lies well in the key of D major. Surprising harmonies add to originality of this piece. All of the instruments get a chance to play the melody, and clear fingerings and bowings have been added throughout. The optional cajon creates an authentic Irish feel. A perfect closer to any festival or concert!
Check it out here.
Wind Dancer - With its optimistic and light sound, Wind Dancer is a great concert choice! Use your imagination and create your own story to accompany the melodic and rhythmic themes in the piece. Every section has an opportunity to shine, and a pizzicato section adds to the charm.
Check it out here.
FULL ORCHESTRA
Blue Tango - Brilliantly scored and in a friendly key, "Blue Tango" by Leroy Anderson, arranged by Chris M. Bernotas, will highlight your symphony orchestra in any concert or festival. This classic reached the top of the Billboard charts in the early 1950s and will be a favorite for both your students and audience. Closely arranged to the original, the beautiful melodies, full range of dynamics, and clearly marked articulations will provide excellent teaching moments and exciting performances.
Check it out here.
Themes from March Slav - Your symphony orchestra will love March Slav by Piotr Ilych Tchaikovsky, arranged by Chris M. Bernotas. Scored for full orchestra or strings only, this arrangement features great themes and a big full symphonic sound. Featuring a reduced number of wind parts to allow for maximum accessibility for a younger full orchestra, this iconic march is a great way to introduce your students to the music of Tchaikovsky. Truly a wonderful choice for a departmental collaboration or any festival or contest.
Check it out here.
Check it out here.
Catchy Song - Another great hit from The LEGO® Movies! Sure to please audiences and players, this infectious tune with a terrific groove is designed to get stuck in your head. Arranged by Chris M. Bernotas, Catchy Song is from The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part.
Check it out here.
Dancing Kites - This gentle piece will float around your performance hall. With a light, memorable melody and rich harmonies, Dancing Kites, an original composition by Chris Bernotas, will expose your students to musical subtleties and nuance, developing their abilities to perform in a lyrical style. They will love performing this piece. Correlates to Sound Innovations Book 2 level 2.
Check it out here.
Dolce - Dolce by Chris M. Bernotas will make your young string orchestra sound full and mature. Smooth flowing melodies and rich harmonies are presented to all sections of the orchestra. Featuring a variety of dynamics, this piece will provide a wonderful opportunity to teach phrasing to your students. Dolce, which means sweet, is the perfect selection for any concert setting.
Check it out here.
Hoedown at the Holidays - This piece will get you ready to saddle up for the Christmas rush. Two familiar tunes, "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World," are set with a fun, western flair. "Silent Night" features the use of portamento as a special effect, bringing the cowboy swagger to your string orchestra. The excitement picks up with a faster tempo and upbeat rhythms for the hoedown treatment of "Joy to the World." Once your students play this one they will want to sit by the fireplace and swap their favorite Christmas stories! (Correlates with Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 2, level 2).
Check it out here.
It Takes Two - This appealing tango is full of drama and passion, with an aggressive, dark theme and strong rhythm. Each member of the ensemble gets a moment in the spotlight and will surely enjoy achieving the challenges of their part.
Check it out here.
Puttin on the Pizz - This title features Alfred Music's String Orchestra FLEX options. That means that every part in this set is now transposed into every other part, so you can play this title with any combination of like- or mixed-string ensemble.
Puttin' on the Pizz by Chris Bernotas is sure to become a favorite selection of students and directors. The descending bass line sets the stage for this fun piece. All notes stay in first position and the string orchestra plays pizzicato throughout. Students also have the chance to act as the percussion section. With the optional use of 'swinging' eighth notes, Puttin' on the Pizz could be a fun way to introduce a jazzy style to the string orchestra. Everyone in the audience (and in the orchestra) will be tapping their toes to this piece. Violin 2 and Viola are doubled, as are Cello and String Bass, which will work perfectly for younger string orchestras. Correlated to Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 1, Level 4.
Check it out here.
Robot Factory - Special effects, pizzicato, and a variety of dynamics will make Robot Factory by Chris M. Bernotas exciting for your beginning orchestra students. The key of E minor provides a dark sound, and all sections get to play the energetic melody! This piece will be a great feature or perfect closer to any contest or concert. Correlated to Sound Innovations from String Orchestra, Book 1, Level 4.
Check it out here.
Sparks - Light up the concert hall with energy and excitement! A variety of textures and techniques are featured while everyone in the string orchestra has an important role. Well suited as a concert closer or festival piece, your students will want to play this one again and again.
Check it out here.
The Reel Deal - The Reel Deal by Chris M. Bernotas will be one of your students' favorite pieces. This original reel lies well in the key of D major. Surprising harmonies add to originality of this piece. All of the instruments get a chance to play the melody, and clear fingerings and bowings have been added throughout. The optional cajon creates an authentic Irish feel. A perfect closer to any festival or concert!
Check it out here.
Wind Dancer - With its optimistic and light sound, Wind Dancer is a great concert choice! Use your imagination and create your own story to accompany the melodic and rhythmic themes in the piece. Every section has an opportunity to shine, and a pizzicato section adds to the charm.
Check it out here.
FULL ORCHESTRA
Blue Tango - Brilliantly scored and in a friendly key, "Blue Tango" by Leroy Anderson, arranged by Chris M. Bernotas, will highlight your symphony orchestra in any concert or festival. This classic reached the top of the Billboard charts in the early 1950s and will be a favorite for both your students and audience. Closely arranged to the original, the beautiful melodies, full range of dynamics, and clearly marked articulations will provide excellent teaching moments and exciting performances.
Check it out here.
Themes from March Slav - Your symphony orchestra will love March Slav by Piotr Ilych Tchaikovsky, arranged by Chris M. Bernotas. Scored for full orchestra or strings only, this arrangement features great themes and a big full symphonic sound. Featuring a reduced number of wind parts to allow for maximum accessibility for a younger full orchestra, this iconic march is a great way to introduce your students to the music of Tchaikovsky. Truly a wonderful choice for a departmental collaboration or any festival or contest.
Check it out here.