From the Start Sheet Music Preview

From the Start: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Music and lyrics by Laufey and Spencer Stewart / arr. Michael Kamuf

Grade: 2.5

Item: 00-PK-0009110

Digital Download
makemusic Cloud badge
$65.00

One moment…

Description
Influenced by a wide range of musical artists ranging from Billie Holiday to Taylor Swift, singer/songwriter Laufey brings together catchy melodies, bossa nova rhythms, and jazz harmonies in her recent hit, From the Start. This arrangement, by Michael Kamuf, reinforces syncopated rhythms and has transcribed Laufey's scat-singing solo written for violin. Your students and audiences will be singing the melodies! (2:45)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, From the Start: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Sample Audio
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Belwin Pop Intermediate String Orchestra
Publisher: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-PK-0009110

More about this title

About the Composer: Laufey

Laufey is an Icelandic singer-songwriter known for blending jazz, bossa nova, and pop sensibilities into contemporary arrangements that appeal across generations. Her work draws from classic vocalists like Billie Holiday while maintaining accessibility for modern audiences, making her compositions natural fits for educational settings where students can engage with current music through a sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic lens.

Why we love this

Michael Kamuf's arrangement captures the infectious energy of Laufey's original while giving string players genuinely engaging material. The transcribed violin scat solo transforms an iconic vocal moment into an instrumental feature that students will want to rehearse, and the syncopated rhythms keep the ensemble locked and energized throughout.

What to expect

Breezy and modern, with a laid-back sophistication that comes from its jazz and bossa nova influences. The piece has the feel of a lazy afternoon jam session, where clever harmonies and rhythmic interplay keep things engaging without demanding intensity.

Who it's for

String orchestras in grades 2.5 and up looking for contemporary repertoire that excites both players and audiences. This arrangement works for groups wanting to program recognizable popular music alongside more traditional classical works.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the syncopated rhythms in the rhythm section first (cello and bass); once that foundation is solid, the melodic parts will fall into place naturally.
  • Shape the bossa nova groove with gentle swing rather than driving it hard. The piece breathes when players follow the gentle lilt of the original.
  • Feature the violin scat solo passage with confidence. Encourage that player to voice it with the character and inflection of a vocalist, not a classical instrumentalist.
  • Balance the catchy main melody so it sings from the first violins without overwhelming the supporting harmonic layers underneath.

How to use it

Ideal for pops concerts or youth orchestra programs where current music increases audience engagement. The 2:45 length and Contest/Festival designation make it a strong candidate for spring festivals or community outreach performances alongside more traditional fare.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and executing syncopated rhythms in a contemporary pop context
  • Understanding bossa nova rhythmic feel and how it differs from straight classical meter
  • Balancing melody and harmony in a jazz-influenced texture
  • Performing transcribed vocal material on strings with idiomatic character
  • Ensemble cohesion when rhythmic complexity comes from rhythm section support

You May Also Like