Medieval Kings: Double Bass

Name: Medieval Kings: Double Bass
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-PC-DST6224_SB
Price: 7.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Soon Hee Newbold

Grade: 1

Item: 98-PC-DST6224_SB

Digital Download

$7.00

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Reminiscent of the Dark Ages when kings ruled and knights protected, this fantastic work for beginning strings has an epic sound. Optional percussion adds a regal feel and sets the perfect mood for life in medieval times. Outstanding! (1:45)

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Series: FJH Beginning Strings

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

SKU: 98-PC-DST6224_SB

More about this title

About the Composer: Soon Hee Newbold

Soon Hee Newbold brings a genuinely global perspective to her compositional voice, drawing on cultural and ethnic traditions she has encountered through her extensive travels and conducting work across multiple continents. Her dual foundation in piano and violin, begun at age five and seven respectively, shaped her ear for string writing and orchestral color throughout her prolific career.

Newbold's works span the full spectrum of ensemble levels, from professional orchestras performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to beginning elementary groups. Beyond the concert hall, she has contributed original scores to film and recording projects in Hollywood, bringing the same craft and imagination to her educational and professional compositions.

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Why we love this

Newbold captures the drama and pageantry of a medieval setting without sacrificing accessibility, allowing Grade 1 ensembles to sound genuinely impressive. The optional percussion parts add flexibility and provide natural leadership roles for students on other instruments, making this piece work equally well in a mixed setting or with strings alone.

What to expect

Medieval Kings unfolds like a scene from a medieval chronicle: stately and ceremonial at first, then building toward festive celebration. The orchestration captures the pageantry and power of a royal court without relying on harmonic complexity, letting melody and rhythm carry the narrative forward.

Who it's for

Beginning string orchestras in Grades 2-5, as well as mixed ensembles that want programmatic music with genuine dramatic weight. Directors preparing for contests or festival performances will appreciate both the musical substance and the concise length (1:45).

How to get the most out of it

Shape the opening theme with slight dynamic swells to suggest the grandeur of a royal procession, even at a relaxed tempo.
Have the section leaders listen for the rhythmic pulse the percussion establishes; this helps younger players anchor their phrasing to the larger orchestral sound.
Balance the optional percussion so it enhances rather than overwhelms the strings. A single timpani roll often projects more majesty than a heavy hand.
Mark the transitions between sections clearly in rehearsal so students understand the narrative arc from proclamation to celebration.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a standalone concert opener that sets a thematic tone, or as part of a program exploring programmatic music across different styles and time periods. The optional percussion makes it adaptable for ensemble concerts where you want to feature your percussionists alongside strings.

Skills your students will build

Maintaining consistent rhythm and pulse across longer phrases in Grade 1 repertoire
Responding to dynamic changes that enhance musical storytelling
Reading and executing optional percussion parts (if included)
Balancing melodic and harmonic roles within a programmatically-driven arrangement