Irish Whistle: Viola
Variations on "The Star of the County Down"
Traditional / arr. Bob Phillips
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PC-0014514_VA1
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Description
Such a fun, cool song transformed into a sure-fire winner for any concert setting. These lovely variations begin with a lush air in 3/4, which flows into a 6/8 jig featuring players whistling over top the varied pizzicato accompaniments. A 16th note flurry in 4/4 then speeds to the end in a burst of energy! This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Irish Whistle: Viola 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:
Highland/Etling String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
124
SKU:
00-PC-0014514_VA1
More about this title
About the Arranger: Bob Phillips
Bob Phillips has shaped string education across North America for decades, building one of the nation's largest school string programs in Saline, Michigan with over 700 students and directing the internationally recognized Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic. His arrangements and compositions reflect deep expertise in eclectic styles; he has authored 25+ instructional book series (including Sound Innovations and the Philharmonic series spanning jazz, rock, mariachi, and latin styles), published over 200 works for orchestras and bands, and earned ASCAP recognition for his contributions to music education.
As a conductor and clinician, Phillips has worked with youth orchestras, all-state ensembles, and summer programs across multiple states and internationally. His instructional DVDs and his 12-year residency as conductor and arranger for Seattle's Wintergrass Festival demonstrate his commitment to both classroom excellence and professional musicianship. His arrangements regularly appear at the Midwest Clinic and are performed by thousands of string students yearly.
Why we love this
Phillips captures the playful energy of Irish traditional music while writing at a level that keeps technical demands manageable so your students can focus on character and style. The meter shifts and rhythmic variety (3/4 air, 6/8 jig, 4/4 acceleration) teach meter literacy without overwhelming Grade 2 players, and the whistling parts add novelty and engagement that rarely fails to delight an audience.
What to expect
The opening floats like a Celtic air, unhurried and atmospheric, then shifts into the bouncy, infectious swing of a jig as players whistle over dancing pizzicato rhythms. The final section snaps into gear with a flurry of energy, racing toward a satisfying conclusion that leaves audiences smiling.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the early intermediate level who want to perform something engaging and stylistically distinct from standard classical repertoire. This arrangement works well for directors introducing students to folk traditions and metric variety while keeping the technical range accessible.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the 3/4 air with a warm, connected bow stroke in the opening section; think 'singing' rather than 'playing' to shape the lush accompaniment underneath.
- When switching to 6/8, lock the ensemble on the pulse before the whistlers enter; the pizzicato figures need steady rhythmic clarity to support the melodic line.
- Bring out the dynamic lift as the piece accelerates into 4/4; use crescendos in the 16th-note sections to build momentum toward the final burst of energy.
How to use it
Program this as a concert brightener alongside more traditional works; its novelty and style contrast make it an ideal second half opener or encore. The relatively short rehearsal time needed at this level makes it a smart choice for a spring pops concert or family-friendly performance where you want both musical credibility and audience appeal.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing in multiple meters (3/4, 6/8, 4/4) within a single piece
- Maintaining rhythmic stability in pizzicato accompaniment figures
- Shaping lyrical phrases with connected legit playing in the opening section
- Executing 16th-note passages at an accelerating tempo
- Performing folk-style articulation and phrasing