Critter Crawl: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Carol J. Johnson
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PK-0001528
$40.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Critter Crawl: Score | $6.00 | |
| Critter Crawl: 1st Violin | $5.99 | |
| Critter Crawl: 2nd Violin | $5.99 | |
| Critter Crawl: 3rd Violin (Viola [TC]) | $5.99 | |
| Critter Crawl: Viola | $5.99 | |
| Critter Crawl: Cello | $5.99 | |
| Critter Crawl: String Bass | $5.99 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Rhythmic energy and exciting harmonies make this fun and spooky tune an instant favorite of young string students. Without using any of the more difficult or complicated finger patterns, this original piece serves as an excellent introduction to flat key signatures. The key of G minor allows for solid intonation to be maintained because the ensemble can rely on the open G and D strings as a pitch foundation. The melody gets shared by every section of the orchestra and can be taught to all sections simultaneously. (2:40)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Critter Crawl: 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:
Belwin Beginning String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
72
SKU:
00-PK-0001528
More about this title
About the Composer: Carol J. Johnson
Carol J. Johnson has spent decades writing accessible string repertoire that meets young musicians where they are. Her compositions balance pedagogical clarity with genuine musical substance, never talking down to beginners while remaining sensitive to what their hands and ears can manage.
Why we love this
Johnson builds this entire piece around the open strings that young orchestras trust most, which means your students stay secure tonally even as the rhythmic energy climbs. The shared melody across all sections transforms what could be a technical study into a genuine ensemble experience where everyone gets a moment to lead. It's a rare Grade 2.5 piece that feels genuinely spooky and fun without relying on gimmicks.
What to expect
Playful spookiness wrapped in driving rhythms. There's a creeping, deliberate quality to the harmonic movement that keeps things slightly off-balance in the best way, while the open-string foundation gives young players the security to lean into the character without technical anxiety.
Who it's for
Grade 2.5 string orchestras ready to tackle flat key signatures with confidence. This works equally well for students encountering G minor for the first time and for ensembles that need a concert piece with rhythm and personality.
How to get the most out of it
- Anchor the ensemble sound by emphasizing the open G and D strings as the rhythmic and harmonic foundation, especially during the main melody statements.
- Bring out the rhythmic contrast between sections; when melody passes from violins to violas to cellos, shift the weight slightly to highlight each section's entrance.
- Keep the tempo steady and driving. The rhythmic energy will collapse if the pace wavers, so use a clear beat and count through any ensemble hesitations.
How to use it
Program this as your fall or Halloween concert anchor, or save it for a spring festival slot where the rhythmic confidence and character work will shine. It pairs well with lighter concert openers and gives younger orchestras a legitimate centerpiece that doesn't require advanced technique.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing in flat key signatures (G minor)
- Maintaining intonation using open strings as pitch reference
- Ensemble balance when melody passes between sections
- Rhythmic precision and consistency in driving eighth-note patterns