Calypso Capers (for Strings and Percussion): 1st Percussion
Calypso Capers (for Strings and Percussion): 1st Percussion Sheet Music Preview

Calypso Capers (for Strings and Percussion): 1st Percussion

By Elliot Del Borgo

Grade: 1

Item: 00-PC-0015209_PC1
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Description
Here's a tasty island treat -- an original from Elliot Del Borgo. The repetitive optional percussion instruments add the spice and can be played by anyone. A super selection for reinforcing rhythm -- fun to play and nice to listen to. (2:25)

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Additional Details
Series: Belwin Beginning String Orchestra
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 72
SKU: 00-PC-0015209_PC1

More about this title

About the Composer: Elliot Del Borgo

Elliot Del Borgo is a prolific composer and educator who has written extensively for young and developing ensembles across all instrumental combinations. His output spans concert band, orchestra, and chamber music, and he has become a trusted voice in beginning-level repertoire that balances musical substance with accessibility.

Del Borgo's compositional approach emphasizes rhythmic clarity, engaging melodies, and practical orchestration for school programs. His works appear frequently in festival schedules and classroom libraries because they challenge students without overwhelming them and give listeners genuine musical satisfaction in return.

Why we love this

This is the rare Grade 1 piece that respects both the capability and the intelligence of young string players. Del Borgo writes a genuinely groovy rhythmic foundation in the strings while the optional percussion parts invite participation from anyone in your program—no specialized training required. It's a crowd-pleaser that sounds professional and makes your kids feel like real musicians.

What to expect

Island energy filtered through a composer's ear for young orchestras. The piece radiates warmth and movement without complexity; the optional percussion colors add shimmer and groove without demanding virtuosity.

Who it's for

Beginning string orchestras at the middle school or early high school level will find this piece within comfortable technical reach while still enjoying real rhythmic and harmonic content. Any director looking for a short, upbeat selection that works well in festival settings or as a palate cleanser between heavier repertoire will find immediate value here.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the rhythmic pulse rock solid in the lower strings; even at this level, the groove lives or dies with consistent quarter-note energy from the cellos and basses.
  • Assign percussion parts strategically by arranging the options by difficulty rather than by instrument family; players can trade parts across rehearsals as confidence builds.
  • Lock in the kick-off together in sectionals first, then rehearse the full band; the repetitive material stays fresh when the downbeat is absolutely locked.

How to use it

Program this alongside more lyrical or classical material to showcase range and keep audiences engaged. The 2:25 duration makes it ideal filler for a mixed concert, and its festival-friendly pacing and straightforward technical demands mean you can prepare it without derailing other rehearsal priorities.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining steady rhythm in ensemble without rushing (especially through repetitive material)
  • Reading and playing simple percussion parts across multiple instrument options
  • Ensemble balance and blend in textures that shift between rhythmic and harmonic focus
  • Understanding style and character appropriate to a light concert idiom

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