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Airborne Heroes: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

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Airborne Heroes: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

By Steven J. Campbell

Grade: 1

Item: 00-41254

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Description
Written in memory of the composer's grandfather, a Korean War Veteran, this piece is perfect to program as a tribute to all service men and women. The heroic melodies and harmonies, set in D Major, are shared throughout the ensemble, making it fun for all sections! The violins and cellos stay completely on the D and A strings, while the violas and basses use the G and D strings. This is a wonderful first selection to expose any young ensemble to independent parts among sections and the roles of melody and harmony, all while reinforcing the importance of using the 4th finger. The cello and bass parts have been doubled to create a strong, confident foundation while the viola and violin parts usually share similar rhythms while harmonizing. Fundamental dynamics and bowings will make this piece not only fun to play, but also a success among performers and audiences alike! (1:50) 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, Airborne Heroes: 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: Highland/Etling String Orchestra
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 62
UPC: 038081480268
SKU: 00-41254

More about this title

Why we love this

Campbell writes string writing that serves beginners without patronizing them. The melodic material is genuinely memorable, the part independence feels earned rather than artificial, and the D Major setting keeps young players confident while the restricted string assignments (D and A for violins and cellos; G and D for violas and basses) make the logistics transparent. Most importantly, this piece gives young orchestras a real reason to rehearse sectional roles and ensemble balance, not as abstract concepts but as living musical choices that shape a complete arrangement.

What to expect

Stately and assured. The D Major setting carries natural brightness and optimism, while the heroic melodic contours give the music genuine dignity without becoming overwrought. There's warmth in the way the ensemble voices share and support each other, creating the feel of a unified ensemble rather than competing individuals.

Who it's for

String orchestras in their first year of ensemble playing, particularly those ready to move beyond unison or simple two-part writing. This piece introduces independent section parts and harmonic responsibility without overwhelming young players, making it ideal for groups that need a confident stepping stone toward more complex textures.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the cello and bass foundation first since these doubled parts anchor the harmonic confidence of the piece. Have that section find a unified bow speed and dynamic shape before adding upper strings.
  • Bring the melody into focus by identifying which section carries it in each phrase. Since the heroic lines move between violins and cellos throughout, rehearse the handoff moments so the melody never disappears between sections.
  • Balance the viola and violin harmonies by listening for a three-to-one dynamic ratio. The violas should support rather than compete, which clarifies both chord color and the primary melodic line.
  • Shape the patriotic character through dynamic contrast rather than aggressive tempo changes. Let the fundamental markings in the score do the work; restraint here builds more power than force.

How to use it

This piece works beautifully as a concert opener or closer for patriotic programming, especially around Independence Day or Veterans Day events. Its brief runtime (1:50) makes it an excellent selection for festival competitions where time slots are tight, and its pedagogical clarity means your young ensemble can perform with genuine confidence rather than anxiety.

Skills your students will build

  • Independent part playing within a four-part harmonic texture
  • Using the 4th finger on a consistent basis (D and A strings for violins and cellos; G and D strings for violas and basses)
  • Sectional melody and harmony roles in an ensemble setting
  • Rhythmic unison and synchronization across different string groups
  • Fundamental dynamic control and bow direction clarity

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