Sound Innovations for Orchestra: Performance Music

Teachers keep coming back to Strings of Fire by Chris M. Bernotas, a grade 1.5 flexible string ensemble piece that has become a favorite in orchestral programs. The Wellerman, arranged by Bob Phillips at grade 1, and Ghosts and Goblins by Bernotas at level 0.5 are also popular choices for younger or beginning orchestras.

The 2026 releases include Dorian Doodles and Playlist by Jim Palmer and Bob Phillips respectively, along with A Welsh Lullaby by Richard Meyer and Captain Hook by Chris M. Bernotas. Luz de la Mañana from Bob Phillips rounds out the new titles, offering additional folk and contemporary arrangements for your programs.

Bob Phillips (b.1953) is an innovator in string education known for his work in large group pedagogy and eclectic string styles. His Sound Innovations series spans all six levels, and his arrangements like The Wellerman have become standard repertoire in many programs. With over 25 book series and thousands of student performances annually, Phillips remains one of the leading voices in educational string music.

Chris M. Bernotas brings 25 years of experience as a composer, conductor, and educator, currently serving as Director of Instrumental Publications for Alfred Music. His compositions, including the widely performed Strings of Fire, are celebrated for their accessibility and emotional depth, making them effective tools for building both technical skills and musical maturity in young ensembles.

Richard Meyer spent 35 years teaching strings at every level in the public schools and directed the orchestra program at Oak Avenue Intermediate School in California for 22 of those years, expanding it from 29 to 200 students. His work as a guest conductor and clinician informs his compositions like The High Low Blues, which balance pedagogical clarity with genuine musical interest.