Dennis Armitage

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) composed a collection entitled SUITE OF SIX SHORT PIECES FOR PIANO in 1920, and this led to musicologist James Brown, in collaboration with the composer, to arrange...

These charming minuets in 3/4 time are perfect for developing good intonation, rhythm, bowing and musical expression skills. Some easy contrapuntal textures will familiarize students with the Baroque...

This original by one of the industry's top writers begins as a leisurely chorale that tunefully moves into a march. Extensive doubling of the 2nd Violin and viola parts allows directors to move more p...

This regal selection from the oratorio Judas Maccabeus by Handel is playable entirely in first position. Accidentals are few, phrasing patterns and rhythms are customary, and melodic duties are not li...

An excellent example of Baroque literature in a non-contrapuntal style, the parts in this setting are technically simple so directors can focus on concepts of musicality and interpretation during rehe...

Scored in G and D, this simplified version of Beethoven's 9th Symphony theme features dramatic crescendos, clear bowing indications, and some pizzicato work for cellos and basses. It also assigns some...

This setting of a simple 8-bar canon written by Thomas Tallis in the 16th century affords young strings a wonderful chance to experience the challenge and thrill of playing contrapuntal textures. It f...

Skillfully arranged by one of the most creative educational string writers around today, this adaptation of two popular Nutcracker themes will be a concert favorite at Christmas time for years to come...

This well-known tune from Franz Schubert's song Die Forelle (The Trout) was also used in the 4th movement of his famous Trout Quintet. It is a tale about a large trout living in a pond and the efforts...

This familiar toasting song from Verdi's opera La Traviata is presented here in an elegant and accessible arrangement. Scored in the familiar performance keys of G and D major for students, the waltz-...

Haydn's works often contained musical jokes, and the Surprise Symphony (#94) includes the most famous of all -- a sudden loud chord in the theme of the second movement after a tranquil opening. The mu...

This tuneful, highly-rhythmic piece in G major portraying a classic fox hunt features excellent material for students who are just becoming familiar with the 6/8 time signature. Duration 1:20. Availab...

This will be a big hit with young groups since this kind of counterpoint relies on all players to carry melodic material. Then for extra fun, they also play the round backwards. This piece provides go...

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's next-to-last symphony is presented here in a challenging, yet accessible arrangement. Set in the key of E minor, this version contains both primary and secondary themes of th...

This well known piano piece by Jean-Philippe Rameau is tastefully arranged here in the key of E minor and is playable exclusively in 1st position. Serving as a wonderful introduction to Baroque orname...

Scored in D, this masterful adaptation of Pachelbel's famous theme assigns all 16th-note passages to 1st Violins so the other sections can focus on providing solid support with good intonation and a s...

This accessible arrangement of the 1st Movement from Vivaldi's Mandolin Concerto is very idiomatic and will make grade 2 groups sound sophisticated and authentic. Optional piano and 3rd Violin/Viola T...

A joyous arrangement from John Caponegro. The arranger states in his notes that "a little faster is better" with this particular piece.

Grade 4 groups will enjoy this well-arranged piece from Reinhold Gliere's classic ballet The Red Poppy. Using a theme and variation form, John Caponegro has included all the tempo changes that are idi...

This Vivaldi piece from the Four Seasons is presented here in a grade 3+ arrangement which provides optional opportunities for small ensembles and solos within the orchestra. The Four Seasons was writ...

This grade 4 arrangement contains selected themes from the 1st Movement of Symphony No. 41, K. 551. This was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's last symphony composed before his death, and clearly shows his br...

This lively gem from Johann Sebastian Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 2 serves as a great introduction to the immortal master's music since the counterpoint is not too complex and the style is thoroughly...

Die sehr melodische und lyrische Einleitung zum dritten Akt aus Georges Bizets Oper 'Carmen' mit optionalen Stimmen für die dritte Violine/Viola im Violinschlüssel.