“Miya Sama Variations” is taken from the overture to “The Mikado. The grade 0.5 String Orchestra with band will enjoy this piece which is well in their ability range.  

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  The second theme is the unpublished Christmas Carol, "Sing We Now in Exultation," written by the composer in the winter of 1966.  Scored with the option to play with the band arrangement.

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.

A beautiful medley of three Hymns:  the Lutheran Advent Hymn "Lo, He comes with Clouds Descending;"  the communion hymn "What is this Bread;"  and Anglican hymn "O, Taste and See (Psalm 34)."  The melodies of these hymns are blended throughout the piece with the grandiose recapitulation of the advent hymn which brings the medley to a close.  An interesting element is the use of the communion hymn as a bridge between the three hymns.  Scored with the option to play with the band arrangement.

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 with Band 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.