recommended by Eric Stratton and Megan W., Orchestra Specialists

Jurassic Rock by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 1.5
Everyone loves to rock out – even Dinosaurs! “Jurassic Rock” by Katie O’Hara LaBrie will have you stomping your feet and bobbing your head to the beat.

Turtlewood Stomp by Matthew Gelfer, Grade 4.5
This rock-inspired work for the string orchestra is challenging but so very rewarding. Students will practice this one with intent!

Violento by Victor López, Grade 2
Give your students the opportunity of playing a piece for beginning strings that is upbeat and full of excitement! “Violento” is an original beginning strings composition by veteran composer Victor López. This exciting work is a forceful and rhythmically driven composition that sounds more difficult than written. A mixture of the danzón – Cuba’s unique genre of song and dance – and basic rhythmic interplay give this piece a unique touch. The inclusive, simple, and repetitious rhythmic patterns will certainly make an energetic statement at your next concert.

Metallurgy by Doug Spata, Grade 1.5
Designed to give students experience reading G and C string notes, this electrifying rock-style piece uses simple rhythms, accents, staccato, and changing dynamics for an exciting effect. Every section gets a chance to play the hard-driving melodies and an optional piano part adds extra support and percussive emphasis. Powerful!

Galaxy Jam by Caryn Wiegand Neidhold, Grade 1.5
Jam among the stars with “Galaxy Jam,” an inventive rock take on “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in E minor. The jam section encourages your students to be creative with instrument percussion improv and solos with suggested notes.

Beathoven by Stephen Spottswood, Grade 4
This hip-hop orchestration incorporates technology and should be played with the audio track (mp3 download) and a speaker. “Beathoven” cleverly combines hip-hop and classical styles. The result is a head bopping, rhythm rocking ensemble piece that ebbs and flows between the 18th century and the 21st century. Teachers can focus on syncopated rhythms, the pentatonic scale, playing with a staccato bow stroke, and making a contrast in dynamics.

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About the Authors:
Eric Stratton is the Jazz 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.