Irish Faire: Score
By Soon Hee Newbold
Grade: 2
Item: 98-DST6252S
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Description
Experience Celtic festivals, maypoles, and country fairs in this spirited and lively piece. Set in an easy 6/8 time, players are transported back to a time of ancient dances and celebrations in Ireland. The lower voices begin with bagpipe drones as violins take on the first theme. Infectious melodies and secondary themes complete this endearing piece. Students have a chance to work on bow distribution, hooked bowing, pizzicato and dynamics.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Irish Faire: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Developing Strings
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DST6252S
More about this title
About the Composer: Soon Hee Newbold
Soon Hee Newbold draws inspiration from cultures across the globe, channeling her international experiences into compositions that speak to ensembles at every level. Her musical training began with piano at age five and violin at seven, leading to performances as a concert artist with professional ensembles worldwide.
Newbold's work appears regularly on stages from Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, performed by everyone from beginning elementary groups to professional symphonies. Beyond the concert hall, she has served as a guest clinician and keynote speaker internationally, conducting orchestras and bands throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, Asia, and beyond. Her compositional reach extends to film and recording projects in Hollywood, where her music contributes to visual media.
Why we love this
Newbold captures the energy of a traditional Irish gathering without overcomplicating the musical landscape. The clever orchestration choice of bagpipe drones in the lower voices immediately establishes atmosphere while keeping young string players engaged, and the infectious melodies stick with audiences long after the final note.
What to expect
Irish Faire transports you to a sunlit village green where fiddles dance above droning pipes and feet move in ancient rhythms. The music pulses with celebration and joy, balancing rhythmic drive with moments of lyrical beauty that feel both timeless and immediately alive.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the Grade 2 level looking to expand their repertoire beyond standard pedagogy while maintaining technical accessibility. Directors seeking authentic multicultural programming and contest or festival repertoire will find a well-crafted piece that challenges without overwhelming developing musicians.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the bagpipe drone texture clearly with your lower strings during rehearsal; this foundation allows violins to float the melody and creates immediate cultural authenticity.
- Work the hooked bowing passages in isolation, emphasizing the separation without losing flow through the 6/8 meter.
- Balance pizzicato sections so they articulate cleanly without sounding rushed; the rhythmic precision here drives the dance-like character.
- Shape dynamics to highlight the secondary themes as they enter; the build and release creates momentum that mirrors the rising excitement of a country fair.
How to use it
Open a concert with infectious energy, or pair it with other folk-inspired repertoire for a thematic program exploring cultural traditions. This piece also fits naturally into contest or festival settings where Grade 2 orchestras showcase both musicality and technical growth.
Skills your students will build
- Hooked bowing and bow distribution in 6/8 time
- Pizzicato articulation with rhythmic precision
- Dynamic shaping across phrase structures
- Drone accompaniment awareness and ensemble balance
- Cross-cultural melodic interpretation