String Orchestra Music 2021-2022
Dear Orchestra Directors,
Stanton's Sheet Music is proud to be participating with Excelcia Music Publishing's digital 2021 String Orchestra music catalog as an Excelcia Select Dealer. As we look toward a return to in person learning, know that as your local music store, we are here to assist you in any way we can. We are proud to be working with Excelcia Music Publishing to offer you the very best music available that we know will help your program present engaging concerts throughout the year.
This digital catalog is filled with 30 new and inspiring pieces by many well-known composers as well as talented newcomers. This cutting-edge catalog will simplify your selection process as you imagine the future and plan for when your students are back together. It contains many resources to make your selection process easier. There are live professional recordings (recorded safely) available here and on all streaming platforms, ScoreVideos for each piece, along with the new Composer Insight videos, short videos by each composer explaining the inspiration behind their works. We are very exited about this catalog of music, and we know you will be too.
All of us at Stanton's Sheet Music and Excelcia Music Publishing wish you the very best for the upcoming school year.
Sincerely,
Megan Wetzel
Stanton's Sheet Music
Choose the Perfect Level for Your Ensemble
Ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, our string orchestra music is meticulously edited and follows a strict six-part grading system reflected in our signature color-coded series. Each score, and its accompanying parts, are beautifully set for ease of reading. They include unique features to facilitate your rehearsals, like oversized time signatures in the scores and measure numbers at every measure on each part!
Grade .5
- Playable by first year students with limited study
- Uses only the first six notes of the D Major Scale
- Moderate tempo and 4/4 time signatures
- All sections have an opportunity to play the melody
Grade 1
- Playable by first-year groups
- Keys of D and G; first position (Bass 3rd position); careful writing of low 2 for Violins and Violas while avoiding high 3
- Introducing 2/4 and 3/4 time signatures with whole, half, quarter and eighth note patterns with no syncopation
- Detache, pizzicato, staccato, legato and marcato bowings to expand your students' technique with the right hand
Grade 1.5
- Playable by 2nd year musicians
- Incorporates dotted quarter-notes and simple syncopated rhythms
- Expanded right hand technique of 2-note slurs, hooked bows and adjacent string crossings
- Open string double stops
Grade 2 to 2.5
- Playable by 2nd and 3rd year groups
- Introducing 6/8 time signatures
- New key signatures including C, A, F and Bb
- New positions for Violin, Cello and Bass
- More complex rhythms and fingered double stops
Grade 3 to 3.5
- Playable by advanced middle school and high school musicians
- Exploring higher positions for all strings
- Expanded literature for advancing programs
Grade 4 and up
- Playable by high school musicians
- First Violins explore 5th position while second Violins and Violas move through 3rd position
- Cellos expand to 4th position while the Bass section works through 5th position
Flexible Concert Works that Excel!
- Perfect for flexible instrumentation or reduced ensemble size
- Scored in four parts with optional Piano
- Playable by any combination of four string instruments
- Written for grades 1-3
- Pieces edited by veterans who have been publishing flexible music for decades. Flexibility is not a new idea for us!
Because Extraordinary Times Require Extraordinary Flexibility...
Responsive to these unprecedented times, Excelcia Music Publishing released Flexcel, an extraordinarily flexible String Orchestra series with high-quality pieces. Pieces in the Flexcel series are designed to be used with significantly-reduced ensemble sizes and any combination of string instruments. Each piece is uniquely arranged in four-part writing, providing endless options depending on which students are in the classroom or at home. The works can be performed by as few as four players. When their complete orchestra is back together again, directors can easily transition to the fully-scored version of the piece published by Excelcia Music Publishing.
Included in the purchase of each set in the Flexcel series is unique photocopying permission from the publisher as well as access to digital copies for remote learning. The Flexcel series release includes a variety of pieces so that you can program a complete concert from these flexible pieces alone.
Composers Who Inspire
This incredibly talented group of composers and arrangers represent a wide range of experience, musical style and identity. These composers, many of whom are music educators, are particularly sensitive to and passionate about the needs and educational aspirations of young musicians, furthering the mission of Excelcia Music Publishing.
Prelude Orchestra Series - 2021-2022
Grade .5
- Playable by first year students with limited study
- Uses only the first six notes of the D Major Scale
- Moderate tempo and 4/4 time signatures
- All sections have an opportunity to play the melody
Click 
to preview score with audio
Click 
to learn about the piece
= Concert/Festival selection
Click, Click, Click
(Up On the Housetop)
Amy Riebs Mills
This clever version of the classic Christmas carol, Up on the Housetop, is a brilliant addition to the beginning string orchestra repertoire with opportunities to work on strengthening pizzicato. Your students will love this one, and parents will too!
PSO2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00
Twilight Smiling
Larry Clark
There is sometimes a lack of sensitive music at this grade level, which is why Twilight Smiling by Larry Clark is so great. Wonderful opportunities to teach expressive playing and phrasing, this lyrical work will be a hit at any concert throughout the school year.
PSO2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00
Da Capo Orchestra Series - 2021-2022
Grade 1
- Playable by first-year groups
- Keys of D and G; first position (Bass 3rd position); careful writing of low 2 for Violins and Violas while avoiding high 3
- Introducing 2/4 and 3/4 time signatures with whole, half, quarter and eighth note patterns with no syncopation
- Detache, pizzicato, staccato, legato and marcato bowings to expand your students' technique with the right hand
Click to preview score with audio
Click to learn about the piece = Concert/Festival selection
Acidic
Tyler Arcari
Tyler Arcari brings us a driving contest piece that is sure to keep your students motivated. Cinematic-like orchestra hits and biting rhythms make for a fun experience, while lyrical contrast in the B-section is perfect for introducing expressive playing. Your students will ask to play this one over and over!
DSO2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Endeavour
Sean O'Loughlin
Composer Sean O'Loughlin continues to inspire students with his dramatic writing, and this string orchestra work is no different. Endeavour is inspired by the brilliant scientists and astronauts that make travel into space possible. Look to the stars with this new work for string orchestra.
DSO2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Kelvin Grove
Larry Clark
This wonderful folk song has been beautifully arranged for string orchestra. On top of a melody that you won't be able to get out of your head, there are ample opportunities to work on lyrical playing and phrasing. Every concert needs something musically expressive, and this arrangement is sure to impress musicians and audiences alike.
DSO2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Dragon's Flight
Liam Ramsey-White
Newcomer Liam Ramsey-White flies out of the gate with Dragon's Flight! Liam knows how to write for string orchestra and it shows with this dynamic and intense work. Students will take a journey alongside this ancient and mythical creature in this light and fun work, perfect for any concert opener or closer.
DSO2104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Harmony Orchestra Series - 2021-2022
Grade 1.5
- Playable by 2nd year musicians
- Incorporates dotted quarter-notes and simple syncopated rhythms
- Expanded right hand technique of 2-note slurs, hooked bows and adjacent string crossings
- Open string double stops
- Listen to and view the score - Watch what inspired the piece
= Concert/Festival selection
Christmas Grace
Larry Clark
Intertwining folk songs and Christmas carols gives this piece a unique voice! Great for expressive playing, this work includes Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Greensleeves, and Amazing Grace. This piece will be a certain winner with such a line-up of well-known tunes!
HSO2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Brave Fires
Caryn Wiegand Neidhold
Brave Fires, featuring Drum Set, is a cool and fun new work about a serious subject. Composer Caryn Wiegand Neidhold writes "Brave Fires honors the families impacted by devastating forest fires in Northern Nevada and Northern California and recognizes Wildland Firefighters' and their support staff's heroic work."
HSO2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Distant Shores
Peter Terry
Distant Shores evokes the excitement of exploring the unknown. Somewhere beyond the horizon is another experience: a new land, new people, a new culture. Composer Peter Terry takes us on a wonderful journey with this new work for young string orchestra.
HSO2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Night Legend
David Hinds
We have all heard of legends best told around a campfire! Journey to new and exciting lands of legends with David Hind's new work for developing string orchestra.
HSO2104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Awakening
Bud Woodruff
The composer describes this work as the feeling you get, awakening from a slumber, only to realize that you have exciting things to do today. Bolting out of bed in a rush, Awakening by Bud Woodruff aims to capture the spirit of that great morning phenomenon.
HSO2105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Venom
Erica Donahoe
Venom is a unique new work for string orchestra by newcomer Erica Donahoe. The piece will be one your students ask to play over and over. Complete with a lyrical section for expressive playing, as well as interesting parts for everyone in the ensemble and accentuated by optional percussion, Venom a winning combination.
HSO2106 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00
Intermezzo Orchestra Series - 2021-2022
Grade 2 to 2.5
- Playable by 2nd and 3rd year groups
- Introducing 6/8 time signatures
- New key signatures including C, A, F and Bb
- New positions for Violin, Cello and Bass
- More complex rhythms and fingered double stops
Click to preview score with audio
Click to learn about the piece = Concert/Festival selection
The Garden
Tyler Arcari
Written for a dear friend and her social media posts about her cool Florida garden, Tyler Arcari crafts a heart-felt tribute perfectly suited for contest and festival. Very Copland-like, very accessible, along with lots of opportunities for expressive and contest-style playing.
ISO2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Beyond the Horizon
Bud Woodruff
Composer Bud Woodruff writes, "To me, Beyond the Horizon is as much a philosophy as it is a title. No matter what you have accomplished today, there is always a new adventure awaiting you 'beyond the horizon'." This work will inspire your students musically, as well as philosophically, making it a wonderful teaching piece, perfect for contest, festival, or performance.
ISO2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Whispers of Spring
Sean O'Loughlin
Whispers of Spring highlights composer Sean O'Loughlin's love of French impressionistic music from composers like Ravel, Debussy and Satie. Like those composers of old, Sean has created a wonderfully lyrical work with lots of colorful sound.
ISO2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
A Jingle Fantasy
David Hinds
A Jingle Fantasy, arranged by David Hinds uses the modernized version of Jingle Bells as the basis for this work. Intended for use for Christmas or Winter concerts.
ISO2104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Viridescence
Alan Lee Silva
Alan Lee Silva takes us on a journey inspired by the luminous green foliage he experienced hiking with his family on the trails in Oregon. Sparkling greenery is a perfect way to describe the bubbly and iridescent nature of Viridescence. Your audience will be captivated by the sound of this work.
ISO2105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Furusato
Yukiko Nishimura
Furusato, a very famous Japanese song about one's hometown, has been beautifully arranged by composer Yukiko Nishimura. Play this piece, looking fondly back on your hometown, where you grew up, and where your journey began.
ISO2106 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Fernwood
George Sweet
George Sweet has such a wonderful harmonic palette you just can't help but enjoy his music. Full of hope, and a little sadness, it has everything in a piece that we get from life. Inspired by the woods surrounding the composer's home, Fernwood is a magical and personal piece.
ISO2107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
L'été
Ruth Elaine Schram
Continuing with her "seasonal" themed pieces, Ruth Elaine Schram gives us the latest addition to her collection: Summer. Enjoy the beautiful harmonies and full tutti playing that will make your string orchestra sound great.
ISO2108 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Oblivion
Larry Clark
This piece is epic, fresh, and cool. Your students will be asking to play this on loop! Great part-writing gives each section something to work towards with lots of opportunity to practice bowing technique as well as pizzicato passages. Oblivion is going to fit on any concert program!
ISO2109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Coming Back
Tyler Arcari
Commissioned during Covid-19, this work is meant to inspire us as we "Come Back" to normal. Hopeful, and mostly upbeat, the work has moments of tension and sadness that underscore the year that we have had through music. We all hope to get back to normal soon, and Coming Back is a perfect anthem for that sentiment.
ISO2110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Rhapsody Orchestra Series - 2021-2022
Grade 3 to 3.5
- Playable by advanced middle school and high school musicians
- Exploring higher positions for all strings
- Expanded literature for advancing programs
Click to preview score with audio
Click to learn about the piece = Concert/Festival selection
Everything
Larry Clark
Everything is a beautiful new work by composer Larry Clark. Featuring the Harp and utilizing wonderful soloistic sections with the Violin, Everything has ample opportunity to work on many techniques with your string orchestra. Inspired by the phrase "Family is Everything", this work can be used for many occasions or just to strengthen bonds within the orchestra.
RSO2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55.00
Drops of Sun
Sean O'Loughlin
Drops of Sun was written to provide teaching opportunities around the concept of "composite rhythms". Composer Sean O'Loughlin writes "Throughout my career, I have always had a fascination with composite rhythms and how they sound to an audience. Drops of Sun explores this concept and more to provide many wonderful musical teaching opportunities to the advancing string ensemble."
RSO2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55.00
Snowberry
Yukiko Nishimura
Written for the retirement of a master teacher, Yukiko's beautiful harmonic pallette is on full display with this hauntingly beautiful work for string orchestra. Absolutely stunning and full of opportunities for expressive playing, your audience will be captivated and you will have plenty to teach in class!
RSO2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55.00
Phantom Dance
Steven L. Rosenhaus
Written to be lively and fun, composer Steven L. Rosenhaus has crafted a brilliant new work for string orchestra featuring the Harp. Compound meters will push your musicians and provide a perfect feel for this "ghostly" dance. Perfect for contest and festival performance.
RSO2104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55.00
Luminosity
Liam Ramsey-White
Brilliant, fresh and bright! Newcomer Liam Ramsey-White has created a piece that is truly luminous. Work on bell-tone techniques and harmonics as well as mixed-meter in this accessible grade 3 piece for string orchestra. The piece, uniquely ends on a "fade-out" effect, that will spice up any concert program.
RSO2105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55.00
Maestro Orchestra Series - 2021-2022
Grade 4 and Up
- Playable by high school musicians
- First Violins explore 5th position while second Violins and Violas move through 3rd position
- Cellos expand to 4th position while the Bass section works through 5th position
Click to preview score with audio
Click to learn about the piece = Concert/Festival selection
Impressions of Joy
Sean O'Loughlin
Beethoven has never seemed so fresh! Composer Sean O'Loughlin shows off his "chops" in this homage to the illustrious composer of old. Experience Ode to Joy like never before!
MSO2101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00
Dark Sky
Bruce W. Tippette
Composer Bruce W. Tippette gives us movie cinema vibes in this dark and brooding new work for string orchestra. Big, dramatic sections are positioned between fresh rhythmic passages. This one is a fun ride that your musicians will want to play and perform over and over.
MSO2102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00
Imperial Procession
Erica Donahoe
Newcomer Erica Donahoe gives us a piece that could easily fit on any contest and festival program. Full of opportunities for advanced playing by each section of the string orchestra, this piece fits on any concert program.
MSO2103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00
Flexcel Concert Works Series
Grades 1 to 2.5
- Perfect for flexible instrumentation or reduced ensemble size
- Scored in four parts with optional Piano
- Playable by any combination of four string instruments
- Written for grades 1-3
- Includes unique photocopying permission, professional recordings and access to digital copies for remote learning
- Easy to transition to the fully-scored version of the pieces (available from Excelcia Music Publishing) once your ensemble is back together again
- Pieces edited by veterans who have been publishing flexible music for decades. Flexibility is not a new idea for us!
String Instrument Only Flexible Pieces
• Listen to and view the score
• Watch what inspired the piece
= Concert/Festival selection
The Knight Errant
Alan Lee Silva
With pulsing energy from the opening bar, The Knight Errant moves forward with driving precision, building intensity and energy as the piece develops. Composer Alan Lee Silva crafts a tale of a mythical knight who valiantly searches for adventure and opportunity.
FSO2001.......................................................$45.00
Danza de mi Corazón
(Dance of My Heart)
Steven L. Rosenhaus
Composer Steven Rosenhaus always strives to have his music connect emotionally with players and audiences alike. This energetic work does that and makes you want to dance too! It's truly a "dance of the heart."
FSO2002.......................................................$45.00
Evening Dusk
Yukiko Nishimura
"The color is faint but the setting sun still has the power to light up the sky". Yukiko Nishimura's unique harmonic style and beautifully fresh melodic lines will inspire the best out of any performer.
FSO2003.......................................................$45.00
Final Expedition
Bruce W. Tippette
This racing, rhythmic flexible orchestra composition will leave your young ensemble with the sense that they sounded like a professional orchestra. Appropriate for younger groups, the melodic material is presented in all voices. A rousing ending will make even the youngest of ensembles sound great!
FSO2004.......................................................$45.00
Angels in the Halls
(Angels We Have Heard on High/Deck the Halls)
Arranged by Matthew R. Putnam
The holiday season is a time of joy, merriment, excitement, and traditions. Angels in the Halls will enable beginning string students to demonstrate their developing skills while putting the audience in the spirit of the holidays.
FSO2005.......................................................$45.00
Greensleeves
Ruth Elaine Schram
Set in a clever waltz style, Ruth Elaine Schram has set the well-known folk tune of Greensleeves for flexible strings. This work is an easy and musical introduction into pizzicato playing, with all the lush arco sections that make Greensleeves a timeless melody.
FSO2006.......................................................$45.00