Highland/Etling Violin Quartet Series: Book 2: Violin

Straightforward and musical. These arrangements honor recognizable melodies while offering each player a genuine part to hold. The writing feels conversational rather than exercises, so students experience the satisfaction of making real chamber music.

Violinists in grades 3-4 quartets preparing for contests, festivals, or concert programs. This book serves groups ready to move beyond simple unison pieces but not yet tackling complex rhythmic or harmonic language.

• Balance the melody across all four parts. Isaac distributes thematic material, so rotate awareness of who's singing the tune each piece to prevent any voice from overshadowing the others.
• Work intonation systematically in unison passages first. Grade 3 quartets often include unison openings or transitions; nail these together before layering harmonies.
• Establish a steady pulse early. Many arrangements lean on rhythmic clarity to maintain cohesion, especially when voices move independently.

Draw from this collection for festive programming around the holidays, or select individual pieces to rotate into a contest season lineup. The variety of styles means you can build a mixed program without needing multiple quartet books.

• Reading in first and second positions
• Balanced part-writing within ensemble texture
• Sustaining melodic lines while listening to surrounding voices
• Rhythmic coordination across four independent parts
• Intonation matching in quartet settings