Music for Strings or Full Orchestra
Please click on the link provided to see the score, hear a recording and/or order the piece. If you are planning on performing my works, I would love to hear from you!
String Orchestra
Twinkling Stars (Grade I, II, III) – This arrangement of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star was commissioned by the Mehlville, Missouri String Program, Amy Meschke, director. It is designed to be played by a mass string orchestra from beginner level up to high school. The older students can look at the younger ones and think, “I remember how it felt”; the younger musicians can look at the older ones and think, “I’m going to be able to do that some day”. But to the parents and the teachers who have watched the whole process, these young people are all “Twinkling Stars”!
http://c-alanpublications.com/twinkling-stars/
American Fiddle Fanfare –
http://c-alanpublications.com/american-fiddle-fanfare/
Grade III
The Black Sea – The Black Sea has been a region of conflict for centuries. This piece is aggressive, involving mixed meter and lots of percussion. The inspiration is from a poem by Robert Bly: “Ah, on this planet we are born again and again. A gold sun rises in the East, but for us, it is a black sun. Each time the black sun rises, dazzling and tremendous, its sadness flows into us. ‘If this sadness could not flow out ofme, it would kill me.’
I listen and I see a horse-dragon swim up out of the Blak Sea. It climbs into the air. Play on, play on- what can we do but long for this dragon-water from the Black Sea to fall on us?”
http://c-alanpublications.com/black-sea-the-string-orchestra/
Blackberry Blossom – Feature your top player on this famous American tune! The first time through, the soloist takes the lead accompanied by some pizzicato and the occasional foot stomp. The second time though, first violins play most of the tune along with the soloist. The third and final time through the soloist gets some nice variations on the tune. And, oh yes, the faster the better! With some foot stomping along the way!
This popular piece has been performed often, including at the Midwest Clinic.
http://c-alanpublications.com/blackberry-blossom/
Granny, Does Your Dog Bite? – Not only does your violin soloist get to shine in this set of fiddle tunes, but the orchestra has some great moments, too! It moves through several keys with the orchestra part ranging from easy to medium easy and the soloist ranging from medium easy to medium. A nice showpiece and a good concert closer!
http://c-alanpublications.com/granny-does-your-dog-bite/
Jig! – This medley of three tunes from O’Carolan provides a great concert piece for any time of year. Opening with a march (Planxty George Brabazon) then followed up by a jig, and lastly finishing off in 2/4 with col legno bows and foot stomps. It’s a fun medley of authentic music from Ireland’s famous harper.
http://c-alanpublications.com/jig-for-string-orchestra/
O’Carolan’s Dream – This lovely arrangement for solo violin and full orchestra weaves together several themes by Irish harpist and composer Turlough O’Carolan. Bring in guest soloists or showcase your own students in this delightful tribute to one of Ireland’s most coveted treasures.
http://c-alanpublications.com/ocarolans-dream/
oh, beautiful – This subtle and moving work calls for a unison choir over a small chamber group. After setting a stark and solemn mood on the piano, fragments of the tune America start form into a cohesive melody. Oh, Beautiful is ideal for an introspective moment in any performance. I sat at the piano one morning and this came to me; it was the day after 9/11. It reminded me that no matter how sad or ugly our country can be at times, it is still Beautiful.
http://c-alanpublications.com/oh-beautiful-string-orchestra/
The Red Sea – A follow-up to Gackstatter’s wildly successful “The Black Sea,” The Red Sea is equally mesmerizing and energetic, with its driving syncopation, soaring melodies and percussive effects on the instruments. Try it. You won’t be disappointed!
http://c-alanpublications.com/red-sea-the/
Grade IV
Billy and St Anne Tip the Canoe – combines two popular fiddle tunes to feature solo violin (fiddle) in a rollicking piece to challenge your strings!
http://c-alanpublications.com/billy-st-anne-tip-the-canoe/
Full Orchestra
Grade III
The Black Sea – The Black Sea has been a region of conflict for centuries. This piece is aggressive, involving mixed meter and lots of percussion. The inspiration is from a poem by Robert Bly: “Ah, on this planet we are born again and again. A gold sun rises in the East, but for us, it is a black sun. Each time the black sun rises, dazzling and tremendous, its sadness flows into us. ‘If this sadness could not flow out ofme, it would kill me.’
I listen and I see a horse-dragon swim up out of the Blak Sea. It climbs into the air. Play on, play on- what can we do but long for this dragon-water from the Black Sea to fall on us?”
http://c-alanpublications.com/black-sea-the-full-orchestra/
Deck the Halls – The festive colors of this traditional holiday carol are enriched in Gary Gackstatter’s bright arrangement for developing full orchestra. The melody is echoed between winds and strings and a full percussion battery (including chimes and timpani) propels the setting to a joyful finish.
http://c-alanpublications.com/deck-the-halls-full-orchestra/
Grade IV
The Grouse Creek Symphony – Inspired by the breathtaking views of the Flint Hills and the paintings of Mark Flickenger, this symphony is designed to be performed with his artwork projected onto screens on stage. Through the music and art, we can deepen our appreciation for what’s in our own backyard. May we never take for granted the beauty of the land and sky, trees, water and people. Click on the link for more program notes.
http://c-alanpublications.com/grouse-creek-symphony/
Here Be Dragons – As the title implies, you are about to enter a realm of mystery and excitement! Ancient cartographers labeled unexplored regions on their maps as “terra incognita” and in one instance wrote Here Be Dragons, signifying the peril that lay ahead. Experience the adventure of such a place through music and unusual sounds with this creative and imaginative work. Premiered at the Midwest Clinic by the Alpharetta HS Orchestra under the direction of Sheldon Fisher.
http://c-alanpublications.com/here-be-dragons-orchestra/