A Scottish Ballade (Annie Laurie): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Traditional / arr. Robert Sheldon
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PK-0001545
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Description
Lush and lyrical, this setting of the traditional Scottish song, "Annie Laurie," was written by her sweetheart, William Douglas, in the 19th century. The song became a favorite of Scottish soldiers during the Crimean War and will delight your audiences! (2:40) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A Scottish Ballade (Annie Laurie): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Intermediate String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
72
SKU:
00-PK-0001545
More about this title
About the Arranger: Robert Sheldon
Robert Sheldon's arrangements and compositions reach ensembles worldwide, from school orchestras to prestigious concert halls. His work has been recognized by the American School Band Directors Association, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP, and he holds an honorary doctorate from VanderCook College of Music.
Why we love this
Sheldon's ear for orchestration transforms a beloved folk melody into something that sounds genuinely symphonic without overwhelming young players. At Grade 2.5, the writing sits comfortably in the intermediate range, giving every section something meaningful to play while maintaining the tune's emotional warmth.
What to expect
The music unfolds with the tender sincerity of a love song passed down through generations. Rich harmonic textures support the melody, creating moments of warmth and intimacy that remind us why this tune mattered enough to sustain through centuries of Scottish history.
Who it's for
String orchestra directors seeking accessible repertoire with cultural depth and genuine artistic value. This works equally well for concert programs, festival contests, or as a centerpiece in a Scottish or folk-themed concert.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the phrases with subtle dynamic breathing rather than sudden shifts; let the legato phrasing breathe naturally between sections.
- Balance the melody carefully across first violins and violas where the tune is shared, ensuring neither drowns the other.
- Take time with the 2:40 length to allow rubato in key moments; this ballad rewards unhurried, song-like execution.
- Have the lower strings (cellos and basses) anchor the harmonic foundation with consistent tone, even when accompanying rather than carrying the line.
How to use it
Pair this with other folk-inspired works or use it as an elegant encore that showcases your string section's lyrical capabilities. It also programs well alongside concert openers in a heavier contemporary piece, providing contrast and emotional variety.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained legato playing across longer phrases
- Dynamic control and expression within a narrow dynamic range
- Sectional balance when the melody is distributed across multiple voices
- Responsiveness to conductor's shaping in a rubato-based accompaniment context