Interplay: 1st Percussion

McBrien writes with a clear understanding of what middle school string orchestras can accomplish. The ostinato foundation gives young musicians a solid anchor while the shifting tonalities and layered melodic material above keep players engaged without requiring advanced technical facility. The three-and-a-half-minute runtime and energetic character make this an ideal closer for a concert or festival performance.

Interplay has the rhythmic forward momentum of an energetic scherzo, with constantly shifting colors as instruments trade melodic material above the steady pulse of the low strings. The move between major and minor tonalities adds harmonic intrigue, creating a piece that feels both accessible and musically rewarding.

String orchestra directors working with Grade 3 ensembles who want a piece with real compositional substance and energetic appeal. Students benefit from the clear structural framework of the ostinato while developing independence as the melodic lines demand focused attention.

• Balance the cello and bass ostinato clearly so it remains audible beneath the melodic interplay; this foundation drives the entire piece.
• Mark the tonality shifts from major to minor in your parts or score so students understand the harmonic architecture and can adjust their tone quality appropriately.
• Encourage consistent bow contact during the rhythmic figures to clarify the counterpoint without sacrificing legato where it matters.
• Take the tempo at a pace that allows the various sections to articulate their material without rushing; clarity is more important than speed here.

Program this as a closing number on a concert to showcase your orchestra's ensemble cohesion and rhythmic precision. The varied textures and reasonable length make it equally effective in festival competition settings where you want to leave adjudicators with a strong impression of musicality and control.

• Balancing multiple melodic lines while maintaining a steady ostinato foundation
• Reading and executing tonality shifts between major and minor without losing intonation
• Coordinating rhythmic figures across different sections with clarity and precision
• Listening for and responding to textural and color changes within a single piece