Loudon Tango: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Berdine wrote this piece directly in response to what his students wanted to play, which is rare and powerful. A conductor score that actually gives every section interesting material rather than relegating violas or cellos to accompanying figures. The optional percussion adds texture without requiring a full complement, making it practical for schools still building their program.

Rhythmically alive and graceful at once, with the infectious momentum of tango but written at a tempo that sits comfortably under young players' fingers. The D minor tonality gives it warmth and character without technical burden, letting musicians focus on the stylistic dance elements.

Conductors building a young string orchestra program who want to program music their students actually want to play. This works equally well for middle school and early high school ensembles at grade 2.5 level, and serves as an accessible entry point into Latin-influenced repertoire.

• Establish the tango character early in rehearsal by playing or describing authentic tango recordings. The rhythmic precision of the genre demands crisp articulation from all string sections, especially in the accompaniment figures.
• Balance the melodic line carefully when it passes between first and second violins. Mark your score to show where the voice exchange happens so players understand they're part of a singing line, not just playing their part.
• If you're using the optional percussion, rehearse them separately at first to lock in their rhythmic patterns, then gradually integrate them with strings to build the full texture without overwhelming the ensemble.
• Let the D minor key work for you. This is genuinely comfortable for strings, so encourage players to use natural vibrato and lean into the resonance rather than rushing through the passage work.

Program this in a concert celebrating your orchestra's history or growth, or pair it with other Latin-influenced pieces to create a thematic set. The three-minute duration makes it ideal for a pops concert or family concert where you want something energetic but not demanding of rehearsal time later in the season.

• Tango rhythmic patterns and articulation style
• Part independence within a multi-sectional string texture
• Stylistic flexibility and musical character in a non-classical idiom
• Ensemble balance when playing melodic and accompaniment roles simultaneously