Notable Neighbors Sheet Music Preview

Notable Neighbors: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

By Carol J. Johnson

Grade: 2

Item: 00-PK-0004694

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Description
As soon as your young string players have learned their "low 2" finger patterns, they are ready for this catchy teaching tune. Written in the attention-grabbing key of A minor, this mystical piece reinforces the "neighborly" half-step relationship between E-F on the D string and B-C on the A string. Every section gets the melody, a winner with the kids, and you'll like how each section learns to play their half steps more in tune. A great supplement to your method book, and also a successful crowd-pleaser on your next concert!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Notable Neighbors: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts 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: Belwin Beginning String Orchestra
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 76
SKU: 00-PK-0004694
Instrumentation: strings w/ vln 3, pno acc

More about this title

Why we love this

Johnson's deliberate focus on the half-step relationships that plague young string players makes this piece genuinely useful, not just entertaining. Every section gets the melody, which keeps engagement high while the reinforcement of E-F and B-C intonation happens naturally through repetition rather than isolated drill.

What to expect

A minor tonality and thoughtful pacing create an introspective, almost mysterious quality despite the catchy melody. The accessibility never becomes mundane; instead, the piece feels like a small discovery, rewarding students for their technical growth.

Who it's for

Grade 2 string orchestras ready to move beyond open strings and first-position fundamentals. This piece works well for ensembles that have solidified their "low 2" finger patterns and are beginning to grapple with intonation consistency.

How to get the most out of it

  • Isolate the half-step passages (E-F on the D string, B-C on the A string) in sectional rehearsals before running the full piece, then have students listen for those specific moments when they play through.
  • Rotate melody assignments so violins 2 and 3, violas, and cellos each own their moment with the main tune; this builds ownership and keeps the energy focused across all sections.
  • Use the accompaniment to lock the ensemble's pulse, especially during the half-step moments where intonation work can sometimes pull the tempo.

How to use it

Program this as a concert centerpiece for a school assembly or informal performance where you want to showcase technical progress without overloading young players. It also pairs well on a concert with folk-inspired string pieces, emphasizing the connections between everyday music and concert repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Half-step intonation on D string (E-F) and A string (B-C)
  • Second-finger placement and accuracy in first position
  • Melodic playing across all string sections
  • Sustaining tone and ensemble blend while navigating adjacent pitches
  • Listening for and correcting common intonation issues in real time

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