Diversions: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

McBrien writes for young orchestras with a refreshing ear for what engages middle school players. The opening rhythmic drive hooks students immediately, while the shifting meters and modern harmonies in the interlude stretch their musical thinking without overwhelming them. This is exactly the kind of contemporary piece that shows young string players there is vibrant music being written for their level right now.

The piece launches with visceral rhythmic energy that feels urgent and modern, then pivots into a more introspective space where subtle harmonies and mild clashes create emotional texture. The constant meter shifts give the whole work a restless, forward-moving quality that keeps students engaged and listeners intrigued.

Middle school string orchestras seeking substantive contemporary repertoire that challenges musicianship without veering into advanced technical demands. This works equally well for groups preparing contest selections or building a concert program that spans multiple styles.

• Lock the rhythmic precision in the opening section by isolating the meter changes in sectional rehearsals; once players trust the pulse, the driving energy pays off.
• Shape the dynamics through the interlude carefully to let the mild dissonances speak; heavy-handed playing will muddy the harmonic interest.
• Balance all sections evenly throughout since the interesting parts are distributed across the ensemble, not concentrated in the first violins.
• Allow time for players to hear how the changing meters sound in context before expecting clean ensemble execution; tap conducting or scale patterns help bridge the gap between reading and listening.

Program this as a centerpiece that balances lighter or more traditional pieces in the same concert; its contemporary voice and contest-festival credentials make it ideal for demonstrations of ensemble maturity and range. The moderate length and interesting orchestration work well alongside standard repertoire without needing a themed program to justify its presence.

• Reading and executing constantly changing meters with accuracy
• Intonation in modern harmonic contexts with mild dissonances
• Dynamic control and balance across all sections
• Rhythmic precision and ensemble cohesion in driving, syncopated passages
• Interpreting contemporary compositional techniques and articulation