Amazing Bass: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

$50.00 USD

Amazing Bass: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Amazing Bass: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-51738
Price: 50.00 USD
Availability: InStock

A Bass Section Feature

Traditional American Folk Tune / arr. Bob Phillips

Grade: 1.5

Item: 00-51738

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A surprise awaits the audience as this famous, beloved melody takes on a completely different flavor as a feature for your young bassists! With a hint of jazz, the bass section learns walking bass lines. All sections remain in first position, with one half-step shift in the bass part. Most well-known as the melody to "Amazing Grace," the origins of this folk tune are lost in the mists of time. It most likely comes from Appalachia in the United States, though it has been given many titles over the centuries. This setting, as Amazing Bass, may surprise the audience and provides the perfect way to feature the bass section, as Bob Phillips arranges another highly playable bass feature. (2:00) Correlates to Sound Innovations Book 1, Level 4.

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Series: Sound Innovations Series for Strings

Publisher: Alfred Music

ISBN10: 1-4706-7381-9

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-7381-9

UPC: 038081596013

SKU: 00-51738

More about this title

About the Arranger: Bob Phillips

Bob Phillips (b. 1953) has shaped string education for decades through innovative arrangements and comprehensive pedagogical materials. A conductor, composer, and teacher trainer, he spent 27 years building the Saline, Michigan string program into a nationally recognized model, growing it to over 700 students performing across classical and eclectic styles. His work extends far beyond the classroom; he founded the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, which became an internationally touring ensemble performing more than 80 shows annually, and served as resident conductor and arranger for the Wintergrass Festival for 12 years.

Phillips has authored more than 25 book series for string instruction, including all six levels of Sound Innovations and groundbreaking publications like Jazz Philharmonic, Rock Philharmonic, and Mariachi Philharmonic. With over 200 published works for orchestras and bands, an ASCAP award, and regular performances at the Midwest Clinic, his compositions reach thousands of young musicians each year. He has also conducted all-state orchestras across the country and created instructional DVDs that have been adopted by countless teachers.

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Why we love this

This arrangement gives your bass section the spotlight they deserve while keeping the rest of the ensemble engaged. The jazz-inflected walking bass line introduces young players to a rhythmic concept that opens doors to contemporary and traditional idioms, all within the accessible first-position framework most student orchestras are working within at this level.

What to expect

Familiar yet transformed, this arrangement takes a tune audiences think they know and lets the bass section reinterpret it with a subtle swing and jazz flavor. The acoustic warmth of walking bass lines gives the piece a folk-influenced ease while the jazz elements keep it contemporary and engaging.

Who it's for

Young string orchestras at the intermediate level who are ready to explore stylistic variety and give their bass players a featured role. This works especially well for ensembles using Sound Innovations Book 1 at Level 4 and seeking ways to build ensemble confidence through section spotlighting.

How to get the most out of it

Have your bass players practice the walking bass line separately before the full rehearsal so they can internalize the rhythmic swing feel without the distraction of other parts.
Balance the bass feature carefully; the melody in the upper strings should recede enough to let the bass line sing, but not disappear entirely.
Work the one half-step shift in isolation with the bass section until the shift feels natural and happens without hesitation.
Record a rehearsal of just the bass line and melody together so students can hear how the jazz feel transforms a familiar tune into something new.

How to use it

Feature this on a concert where you want to showcase student growth in a beloved melody while introducing audiences to jazz-inflected orchestration. Its two-minute length and contest-festival appeal make it ideal for spring concerts or festival competitions where you want to highlight individual sections.

Skills your students will build

Walking bass line construction and jazz rhythmic feel
Playing in first position with strategic position shifts
Bass section independence and confidence as featured voices
Listening and balancing to support a featured section while maintaining ensemble cohesion