A Tale of Four Trees: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
The Making of a Violin
Words by Elizabeth Daily, music by Bob Phillips
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PK-0006668
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Description
Cute narration and easy string parts! The perfect piece to play with parents of younger players or for older players performing for elementary students, the narration takes the audience on a musical tour of the creation of a beautiful stringed instrument. (3:25/6:45)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A Tale of Four Trees: 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:
Sound Innovations for String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
152
SKU:
00-PK-0006668
More about this title
Why we love this
The narration transforms what could be a simple educational piece into genuine theater. Younger players get to experience themselves as musicians telling a story, which builds ownership and engagement in a way that pure instrumental music rarely achieves. It's the kind of piece that makes parents lean forward in their seats.
What to expect
Whimsical and warm, with the gentle curiosity of a children's story unfolding. The music follows the narrator's lead, creating moments of wonder as the story moves through the life of trees and the creation of an instrument. There's a lightness here that never feels condescending, just genuinely charming.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the elementary to early middle school level, especially groups wanting accessible repertoire that connects with family audiences. The narration appeals equally to younger players (who love being part of a story) and slightly older students (who can handle the musical maturity while still enjoying a lighter genre). It's ideal for programs where younger players need meaningful performance experiences alongside the main concert.
How to get the most out of it
- Assign the narrator role to a confident reader who can sustain the audience's attention between musical sections. A teacher or parent works beautifully here.
- Let the string players hear the full narration during rehearsals so they understand exactly what mood and pacing each musical moment needs to support.
- Balance the narration's pace with the music. A rushed narrator will drag the string parts forward; give yourself time to breathe between phrases.
- Consider subtle lighting or simple props (a picture of a violin, a tree branch) if your venue allows. Even minimal visual support enriches the storytelling.
How to use it
Program this as the bridge between your opening pieces and more substantial work, or anchor a "family concert" segment where engagement and accessibility matter as much as technical display. The 3:25 version works well for a full rehearsal experience; the 6:45 version gives you space to add more narration or expand the musical sections for different performance contexts.
Skills your students will build
- Ensemble balance with a non-musical element (narration) sharing the stage
- Tempo flexibility and following a non-conducted leader
- Playing through thematic material that repeats across different string sections
- Sustaining long tones and managing bow control at Grade 2 level
- Musical storytelling and how orchestration can evoke imagery