Moon Bass: 1st Violin
Bass Section Feature
By Todd Parrish
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PC-0015043_VN1
$5.99
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Description
Let your string bass section swing in this easy-to-play blues piece as they build skills and enjoy the motivation of being in the spotlight. Basses carry the melody much of the time, while also accompanying the melody as it weaves through other sections. All parts stay in first position, while the bass shifts briefly to third position. Educational objectives include playing accidentals, contrasting between staccato and legato, and learning to play in a swing style. (2:52)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Moon Bass: 1st Violin comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Highland/Etling String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
62
SKU:
00-PC-0015043_VN1
Instrumentation:
string
More about this title
About the Composer: Todd Parrish
Todd Parrish brings two decades of orchestral teaching experience across Illinois, Virginia, and Florida to his composition and arrangement work. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from ORU in Tulsa, where he studied violin and piano, and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Arizona, where he studied with Jindong Cai, cellist Nancy Green, and violinist Bonnie Terry.
Parrish has established himself as a prolific composer and editor in the school orchestra field, with over forty published works distributed through Alfred Music Publishing, Wingert-Jones Publications, and Carl Fischer Music. He has served as string editor for Wingert-Jones Publications and currently works as orchestra editor for Carl Fischer Music, while remaining active as a guest conductor and arranger of classical repertoire for student ensembles.
Why we love this
This piece gives your bass section exactly what they need: time in the spotlight with music that's genuinely fun to play. Parrish writes the melody into the bass line itself rather than relegating them to accompaniment, which transforms a traditionally supporting role into a featured voice. The swing idiom and blues harmonic language keep the energy engaging while the Grade 2 accessibility ensures every student can succeed.
What to expect
Relaxed and groovy, with a blues swagger that feels immediate and playable. The basses drive the piece with warmth while the upper strings add color and counterpoint, creating an ensemble sound that feels both supportive and celebratory of the bass section's contributions.
Who it's for
This is ideal for Grade 2 string orchestras where the bass section has developed solid fundamentals but rarely gets featured. It's equally valuable for programs looking to build student motivation through specialized roles and for teachers seeking accessible blues and swing repertoire that develops jazz vocabulary.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a steady, relaxed swing feel by having basses lead the rhythmic pocket before bringing in the upper strings; their confident pulse will anchor the entire section.
- Isolate the transitions between legato and staccato passages in rehearsal, as this contrast is central to the piece's character and requires clear articulation from the bass players.
- Work the brief shift to third position separately so students build muscle memory before running the full piece; mark the measure number clearly in their parts.
- Remind basses that carrying the melody means playing with presence and warmth in tone, not just playing the right notes. Their sound should sing.
How to use it
Program this as a standalone feature on a concert where you want to highlight section personalities and build ensemble cohesion through varied roles. It works well mid-program as a contrasting mood piece that brings audiences into the ensemble's lighter, swinging side, or use it early in the year to energize students about jazz idioms before tackling more complex fusion or contemporary repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Playing accidentals with accuracy and confidence
- Distinguishing staccato and legato articulation in context
- Swing rhythm and jazz phrasing fundamentals
- Shifting between first and third position on bass
- Carrying melodic content with musical independence