Goblin Dance: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Violas finally get their moment, and this piece gives them music that's genuinely fun to play rather than filler between violin and cello lines. The pizzicato groove across the full orchestra creates infectious energy that makes students eager to rehearse, while the rhythmic and chromatic demands keep them engaged musically. The optional piano accompaniment gives you flexibility to feature a strong violist while keeping the ensemble involved.

Mischievous and full of swagger, Goblin Dance bounces with a funky pizzicato groove that immediately grabs attention. The chromatic writing and rhythmic complexity add sophistication under the novelty surface, making it feel like students are playing something genuinely groovy rather than cute.

This is perfect for any string orchestra program looking to give violas a genuine solo feature. It works equally well as a section showcase with your strongest violist or as a full-ensemble piece where everyone gets rhythmic fun. Grade 2 level makes it accessible to younger orchestras while remaining musically substantial.

• Lock the pizzicato pulse between violins and lower strings before adding the viola melody; the groove is the foundation everything else sits on.
• Encourage the viola soloist to lean into the funky character and play with swagger rather than classical restraint.
• Balance the chromatic passages carefully so the viola line remains audible above the rhythmic accompaniment without forcing.
• If using the piano accompaniment instead of orchestra parts, ensure the pianist matches the pizzicato energy and articulation of the string groove.

This is a natural fit for a fall or Halloween concert, but don't limit it there. The novelty element works as a pacing break in any concert, and the viola feature makes it excellent for a program that celebrates different instrumental voices across the year. It also pairs well with more traditional pieces to show the range and versatility of your string program.

• Pizzicato articulation and rhythmic precision across the ensemble
• Chromatic line reading and intonation
• Maintaining groove and ensemble pulse with syncopated rhythms
• Solo line projection and phrasing at the intermediate level
• Listening across ensemble voices to balance featured melody with accompaniment