A Salty Sailor's Song: Violin 2 (Harmony)
By Keith Sharp
Grade: 1.5
Item: 98-PC-DST6058_VN2H
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Description
Australian composer and violinist Keith Sharp has written this celtic-sounding melody in a piece that has a great deal of performance flexibility. The piece is divided into three main lines - a melody, harmony, and bass line. All instruments are provided with two parts - a melody part and an easier harmony part (which covers harmony or bass, depending on the instrument). A perfect way to accommodate an ensemble with players of different abilities. Highly recommended!
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Beginning Strings
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DST6058_VN2H
More about this title
About the Composer: Keith Sharp
Keith Sharp has shaped string education across Brisbane since 1985, first in regional schools and later at Brisbane State High School, where his teaching emphasizes ensemble work and collaborative learning. His compositions for young string players have reached musicians worldwide and earned repeated recognition as Editor's Choice selections in major orchestral catalogs. Sharp holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a Graduate Diploma of Further Education, and his contributions to music education have been acknowledged through multiple awards, including the AUSTA State Award for Queensland and the Campbell Newman "Can Do, Educator of the Year" honor. He regularly conducts workshops and clinics, bringing his experience as both composer and string educator to schools and music camps throughout Australia and beyond.
As a past president of AUSTA Queensland and co-author of the Encore on Strings series, Sharp continues to write accessible, imaginative works that engage students across ability levels. His pieces with Alfred Music and FJH Music Company reflect a deep understanding of what young string ensembles can achieve musically while remaining technically approachable.
Why we love this
Sharp builds in genuine flexibility without sacrificing musicality. Every player gets a meaningful part regardless of experience level, and the three-line structure (melody, harmony, bass) means your ensemble sounds full and cohesive even when technical abilities vary widely. This is the kind of piece that lets you program confidently knowing everyone contributes something essential.
What to expect
A spirited, maritime flavor runs through this piece, evoking seaside folk traditions with accessible melodic writing that feels both familiar and fresh. The arrangement lets younger players hear themselves as part of a larger sound without strain or frustration, creating an encouraging first experience of ensemble music.
Who it's for
Beginning string orchestras with mixed technical levels benefit most from this piece, since Sharp provides two distinct parts for every instrument. It works equally well for programs introducing students to ensemble playing or for mixed-age orchestras where some players are more advanced than others.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody line so it sings through clearly, but keep the harmony and bass parts engaged and rhythmically precise; they provide the foundation that makes the melody soar.
- Bring out the Celtic character through subtle dynamic shaping within phrases rather than sudden changes; let the melody breathe naturally.
- Encourage vibrato from advanced players on sustained notes to add warmth to the harmonic texture without overwhelming younger players who may not yet use it.
- Use rehearsal time to build independence between the three lines; when each section knows its role, the piece feels unified and professional despite mixed ability levels.
How to use it
Program this as an opener or closer at a festival or concert where audience appeal matters; the novelty title and accessible style engage families while the quality writing impresses adjudicators. It also fits naturally into a concert highlighting folk or world music traditions with a light, celebratory tone.
Skills your students will build
- Playing flexible rhythmic patterns that accommodate both melody and harmony parts
- Balancing individual lines within a three-part texture
- Sustaining tone and intonation in harmonic roles
- Building confidence in ensemble settings with players of varying technical skill