recommended by Eric Stratton and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists

Play That Swing by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 3.5
Imagine strolling down a busy downtown boulevard in the middle of the 20th century. Streetlights shining. Car horns honking. This is exactly the feel of Katie’s new work “Play that Swing.”

Down Easy Street by R. Scott Whittington, Grade 3
“Down Easy Street” is the perfect opportunity to introduce Jazz elements to your classroom in a welcoming and inclusive way! In a relaxed jazzy style, all parts have minimal position work so your ensemble can focus on rhythm, blend, and intonation. Optional drum set adds energy and vitality. A sparkling piece that’s great fun for all!

Chicken Cha Cha by Thom Sharp, Grade 3
“Chicken Cha Cha” for string orchestra delightfully expresses a day in the life of a chicken, including the creative musical description of running in the coop via dissonant eighth notes. All instruments have interesting parts to play, representing different birds dancing the Chicken Cha Cha. Through staccato notes, dynamics, grace notes, precision counting, scales, call-and-response, and a legato passage, Thom Sharp’s creative “Chicken Cha Cha” provides a fun level 3 piece to reinforce orchestral technique.

Jazz for the Open Strings by Jiyoung Um, Grade 0.5
“Jazz for the Open Strings” is written for the very beginners in string orchestra. This piece is performed by open strings only, which helps beginning level students to learn each of the strings of their instrument. Students will learn dynamic changes and develop counting skills.

Miniature Mambo by Doug Spata, Grade 1.5
This mambo, completely in pizzicato is a great teaching tool for developing string orchestras! Doug Spata has made pizz. fun!

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About the Authors:
Eric Stratton is the Jazz and Orchestra Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. From Westerville, OH, Eric received a Bachelor of Music in Classical Bass Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Otterbein University. On both electric and double bass, he plays in various groups around Columbus, including New Albany Symphony and Westerville Symphony orchestras. He enjoys listening to and playing many types of music, from jazz, pop, to rock and metal. Some of Eric’s favorite performance opportunities are in the pit orchestras of musical theatre productions. When Eric isn’t gigging or at Stanton’s, he enjoys playing video games, hanging out with his cats, performing repair and tech work on guitars, and going to local restaurants and breweries with friends.

Megan W., originally from Pittsburgh PA, is happy to call Columbus and Stanton’s Sheet Music “Home.” As a musician, Megan has played in marching and concert bands, youth orchestras, full orchestras, small ensembles, and a few choirs. Her interests include fiddling, reading, writing, martial arts and yoga.