Cèilidh Dances: Score
Featuring: The Lights of Lochindal / The Reel of Tullochgorum / The Barren Rocks of Aden
Traditional / arr. Bob Phillips
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PR-0005154
$8.00
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Description
A cèilidh, a party featuring dancing and fiddling, is a whirling, twirling, blow-out event. Feel the full flavor of the Celtic lands in this very playable medley featuring three traditional tunes: "The Lights of Lochindal," "The Reel of Tullochgorum," and "The Barren Rocks of Aden." (2:30)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Cèilidh Dances: Score 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:
112
SKU:
00-PR-0005154
More about this title
About the Arranger: Bob Phillips
Bob Phillips has shaped string education for decades through his work as a composer, arranger, and conductor. His track record spans authoring 25+ instructional series (including all six levels of Sound Innovations), founding the internationally recognized Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, and conducting at prestigious venues from the White House to the Midwest Clinic. An ASCAP award winner with over 200 published works, Phillips has built his reputation on making eclectic and folk styles accessible to student orchestras.
For 27 years, Phillips developed a 700-student string program in Saline, Michigan that became a national model for blending classical and contemporary repertoire. His pedagogical innovations in large ensemble teaching, combined with his deep knowledge of folk traditions and fiddling styles, have influenced how thousands of directors approach string education today.
Why we love this
Phillips captures the infectious energy of a cèilidh without sacrificing musical substance or playability. The three-tune medley sits comfortably at Grade 2, meaning your students can nail the rhythmic drive and folk character without drowning in technical barriers, freeing them to perform with genuine joy and conviction rather than struggling through notes.
What to expect
A spirited whirl of Scottish reels that bounces with infectious energy and genuine folk character. The three melodies interweave with clarity and drive, evoking the warmth and unpretentious joy of a cèilidh gathering where fiddling and dancing are inseparable.
Who it's for
String orchestras at Grade 2 who are ready to move beyond classical foundations into folk idioms and eclectic styles. This works equally well for festival or contest programming and for general concert repertoire that builds cultural awareness alongside musicianship.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the rhythmic vitality of these reels; articulation and pulse matter more than legato here. Light bow strokes and clear attacks will let the Scottish spirit shine through.
- Balance the melody across your string sections rather than anchoring it to first violins alone. Secondary parts carry genuine melodic material, not filler, so encourage all players to listen across the ensemble.
- Use rubato sparingly if at all. These dances thrive on forward momentum and a steady groove; let the dancers move to your tempo, not against it.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for exploring folk traditions and non-classical styles within your concert season. At 2:30, it pairs well with heavier classical work, offering contrast and audience engagement while deepening your students' understanding of how string orchestras can honor folk music authentically.
Skills your students will build
- Playing with rhythmic precision in reel and dance time signatures
- Balancing melodic parts across an ensemble rather than following a single voice
- Articulation and bow control for folk idioms
- Reading and performing arranged traditional tunes with cultural awareness