Beside the Still Waters: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
(Reflections on Brother James' Air)
By James Leith Macbeth Bain / arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PK-0009153
$60.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Beside the Still Waters: Score | $10.00 | |
| Beside the Still Waters: 1st Violin | $3.00 | |
| Beside the Still Waters: 2nd Violin | $3.00 | |
| Beside the Still Waters: 3rd Violin (Viola [TC]) | $3.00 | |
| Beside the Still Waters: Viola | $3.00 | |
| Beside the Still Waters: Cello | $3.00 | |
| Beside the Still Waters: String Bass | $3.00 | |
| Beside the Still Waters: Piano Accompaniment | $3.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
The comforting Scottish hymn "Brother James' Air" is uniquely set in this reflective arrangement by Carrie Lane Gruselle, who surprises the listener by using "Amazing Grace" as a partner song later in the work. The beautiful melody weaves its way throughout the ensemble as the piece develops and moves toward a powerful key change. Glorious! (3:30)
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Additional Details
Series:
MakeMusic Intermediate Strings
Publisher:
MakeMusic Publications
SKU:
00-PK-0009153
More about this title
About the Composer: James Leith Macbeth Bain
James Leith Macbeth Bain (1840–1925) was a Scottish minister and musician whose hymn tunes became cornerstones of Protestant worship. Composed in 1901 and first published in the Scottish hymnal, "Brother James' Air" has endured as one of the most beloved melodies in Christian music traditions worldwide. Bain's gift was crafting singable, emotionally direct melodies that worked equally well in congregational settings and concert arrangements.
Why we love this
Carrie Lane Gruselle's orchestration transforms a familiar hymn into something that feels both intimate and grand. The clever layering of "Amazing Grace" mid-piece creates a moment of musical recognition that audiences genuinely respond to, while the key change gives young orchestras a satisfying dramatic arc without overwhelming them technically.
What to expect
Serene and introspective at the start, with the familiar hymn melody unfolding like a prayer set to music. When "Amazing Grace" arrives, there's a moment of quiet revelation; the two melodies share a spiritual kinship that feels inevitable once you hear them together. The final key change lifts the whole texture into something transcendent, ending with a sense of resolve and grace.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the intermediate level who want repertoire with emotional depth and clear musical storytelling. Directors preparing ensembles for festival competitions or spring concerts will find this piece both accessible to teach and genuinely moving to perform.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening phrases with careful dynamic control; the beauty of the hymn melody depends on restraint rather than volume.
- Mark the moment when "Amazing Grace" enters so every section hears the harmonic shift together, preventing the medley from sounding accidental.
- Balance the string sections so the main melody reads clearly whether it lives in violins, violas, or cellos during the arrangement's development.
- Use the key change as a dramatic turning point, not just a technical shift; allow a slight breath before the new section begins.
How to use it
Pair this with other hymn-based or spiritual arrangements to build a thematic concert program that speaks to reverence and reflection. Its 3:30 length makes it an ideal centerpiece for a shorter concert set, or a powerful emotional bridge between more upbeat repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long melodic lines with consistent tone across multiple measures
- Balancing the transition between different string sections as the melody passes
- Playing through a key change while maintaining ensemble cohesion
- Responding to large-scale dynamic shaping in a hymn-based arrangement