Hoedown Showdown: Score
By Neridah Oostenbroek
Grade: 3
Item: 98-DST6500S
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Description
Get ready to have some fun with this energetic western-style romp! Showcasing a melody that weaves its way through every section, the piece also makes use of open string drones and syncopated rhythms, bringing the country-style flair to life. Outstanding and infectious!
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH String Orchestra
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DST6500S
More about this title
About the Composer: Neridah Oostenbroek
Neridah Oostenbroek brings two decades of teaching experience across Brisbane schools, combining classroom music instruction with rigorous string pedagogy. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Diploma of Secondary Education, and later earned a Master of Philosophy in Violin Performance from the University of Queensland under Spiros Rantos.
Beyond the classroom, Oostenbroek maintains an active performance life as a freelance violinist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Pops Orchestra, performs with chamber ensembles, and accompanies music and ballet examinations. She serves regularly as a conductor, adjudicator, and clinician for music camps and festivals throughout Australia.
Why we love this
A composer who spends her days teaching strings understands exactly what Grade 3 orchestras need: infectious energy without unnecessary technical barriers. The melodic interweaving and open string drones give every section a part that matters, keeping engagement high across all ability levels while the syncopated rhythms and western flair make rehearsals feel like performances from day one.
What to expect
A rollicking barn dance brought into concert dress. The open strings create a warm, resonant foundation while the syncopated rhythms and winding melody inject joy and movement, giving the impression of fiddle musicians trading the tune back and forth over a steady, supportive base.
Who it's for
Grade 3 string orchestras seeking repertoire that builds ensemble confidence while maintaining genuine musicality. This works for orchestras that want a crowd-pleasing concert piece without sacrificing pedagogical value, and for directors who understand that fun and learning go hand in hand.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the open string drones as a foundation for tuning and tone production; they're not accompaniment, they're the heartbeat of the piece.
- Work the syncopated rhythms at a slower tempo first, particularly in sections where they cut across the main melody, so players lock in before bringing the energy up.
- Balance the melody as it passes between sections; mark each entrance in parts so no section assumes the tune belongs to someone else.
- Let the fiddle style breathe with slight rhythmic flexibility in question-and-answer phrases, especially where the melody weaves through the ensemble.
How to use it
Schedule this as a concert opener or closer to set a celebratory tone. It pairs well with more serious or lyrical pieces in the same concert, providing contrast and variety while keeping your audience engaged.
Skills your students will build
- Playing sustained open string drones while maintaining intonation across the ensemble
- Reading and executing syncopated rhythms against straight-note accompaniment
- Tracking a melody as it passes between sections and entering cleanly without doubling
- String crossings and position work required for fiddle-style articulation
- Listening for tuning and blend while contributing to a drone-based harmonic foundation