Goblin Feast: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Keith Sharp understands exactly what young string orchestras need: music that captures students' imaginations while letting them grow at different rates. The flexible scoring in Goblin Feast means your advanced cellists and bassists have genuine musical challenges while your newer players stay engaged, and the optional violin extension part gives you a natural way to recognize third-position students without stopping rehearsal momentum. The Halloween novelty context makes it fun without sacrificing the compositional integrity directors respect.

Mischievous and theatrical, with a rhythmic momentum that pulls listeners into a goblin's kitchen. The growling textures and energetic rhythmic drive create an undeniable sense of story and personality, making it memorable for both performers and audiences without veering into cartoonish territory.

Grade 2 string orchestras with mixed technical levels, from developing ensembles to advanced groups looking for engaging holiday concert repertoire. Directors managing wide ability ranges within a single section will especially benefit from the tiered scoring that challenges stronger players without sidelining others. This works equally well for young orchestras building confidence and experienced groups seeking character-driven light concert material.

• Balance the growling character with articulate ensemble rhythms. The narrative works best when the orchestra moves as one unit despite the rhythmic excitement.
• Use the flexible scoring strategically: assign the easier cello and bass parts to section players who need support, freeing your strongest low-string players for the advanced material.
• Let the optional percussion sit in the mix rather than dominate. These colors enhance the goblin story without overwhelming the string texture.
• Build energy gradually through dynamic contrast. The piece gains impact when you don't start at full volume.

Program Goblin Feast in the middle of your Halloween concert to shift energy and mood while keeping engagement high. The novelty context gives you a natural intermission anchor, and at Grade 2 difficulty, it sits comfortably between more challenging opening and closing selections. It's also rewarding as a seasonal rehearsal opener early in your concert year, since the flexible scoring lets you workshop techniques while keeping morale strong.

• Ensemble rhythm reading with rhythmic independence across parts
• Dynamic control and articulation to serve narrative expression
• Third position work on violin (optional advanced part)
• Flexible score reading and part assignment based on individual readiness
• Textural listening and blend with optional percussion accompaniment