This lively holiday piece is based on two themes.  The first is loosely based on the Lutheran Hymn "I Am So Glad when Christmas Comes."  The second theme is the unpublished Christmas Carol, "Sing We Now in Exultation," written by the composer in the winter of 1966.

Considered by many musicians as one of the most beautiful melodies ever written, “On the Steppes of Central Asia” will challenge and reward the Grade 2 String Orchestra.

This piece is the first two sections from Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite.” The melodies are haunting and the tonality is a welcome change to the music. As few notes as possible are utilized with the base goal of 6 notes for each part.

“Petit Poucet” is the second movement of the “Mother Goose Suite.” This movement, often called “Tom Thumb,” Is very challenging because it is slow.

The Pilgrims Chorus comes from the German opera Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner. The song represents the penitential journey of pilgrims as they travel to and from Rome to receive absolution. The noble aspirations of the penitents are embodied in this song, which sings the praises of God's mercy and the peace obtained by those who remit the debt of their sins.

“Playful Joy” is an original piece for grade 0.5 String Orchestra suitable for concert or festival.

This piece was written in memory of Lyle Lundstrom, Tuba player, most recently, for the Pomona Concert Band, Pomona, California; The Golden State British Brass Band, Southern California; and the La Mirada Symphony, La Mirada, California.  A member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, he passed away in 2014.

This march in a minor mode is based on the Lutheran Hymn "Washed in the Blood of the Lamb."  It is a teaching piece for the dotted-eighth sixteenth figure and written for the middle school string orchestra.

“Shawnee Summer” is inspired by themes from Berlioz to Hugo and signifies the role the Shawnee had in the French and Indian War of 1754-1763.