PerformancePlus+ Orchestra

Teachers keep coming back to River Song by Richard Meyer and Anticipation by Cooper Ford, both solidly popular at grades 2 and 3. Lake of the Clouds by Michael Hopkins at grade 3 and New Beginnings by Patrick Roszell at grade 1.5 round out the most-adopted titles, offering range for programs at different skill levels.

Richard Meyer spent 35 years teaching strings at every level in public schools, and his work at Oak Avenue Intermediate School in Temple City grew the orchestra program from 29 students to 200. He remains active as a guest conductor and clinician, and River Song reflects his deep understanding of how young ensembles develop.

Cooper Ford studied at The College of New Jersey and the University of Florida, then returned to direct orchestra at North Brunswick Township High School in his native New Jersey. Anticipation, his most popular work here, demonstrates how well he knows the needs of beginning and developing string players.

Bob Phillips is recognized as an innovator in string pedagogy and has authored over 25 book series used in classrooms nationwide, including the Sound Innovations series. His approach to large group instruction and eclectic string styles shapes how thousands of students learn each year.

Michael Hopkins chairs the music education program at the University of Michigan and teaches string techniques and orchestra methods. Before joining the faculty, he conducted orchestras in Colorado, Michigan, and Vermont, and founded the Burlington Chamber Orchestra, bringing both research rigor and ensemble experience to his compositions.