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Old Molly Hare: String Orchestra Conductor Score

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Old Molly Hare Cover Image

Old Molly Hare: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Traditional / arr. Andrew H. Dabczynski

Grade: 2.5

Item: 00-23379S

$7.00
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Description
In this fresh arrangement of a traditional, old-time fiddle favorite, every member of the orchestra gets lots of chances to play the up-beat tune. The straight-forward melody is approachable by all, and the authentic-sounding variations and key changes will challenge even advanced players. A series of soloistic "breaks" can be performed by individuals or entire sections, and the inclusion of optional chord symbols provide opportunities for improvisation. This creative setting of Old Molly Hare will provide motivating learning experiences for students, and will add invigorating old-time style and drive to any concert program.

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Additional Details
Series: Highland/Etling String Alternatives
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
UPC: 038081258850
SKU: 00-23379S

More about this title

About the Arranger: Andrew H. Dabczynski

Andrew H. Dabczynski

Andrew H. Dabczynski served as Emeritus Professor of Music Education at Brigham Young University, where he founded and directed the BYU "New Horizons Orchestra," an ensemble designed for adult beginners that also functioned as a teaching laboratory for string educators. His contributions to music education were recognized with BYU's Joseph E. White Fellowship, and Utah ASTA honored him in 2005 as Higher Education Teacher of the Year and again in 2014 for his outstanding service to the field.

Dabczynski brought a dual perspective to string pedagogy: formal training as a violist from the Eastman School of Music and decades of professional orchestra experience with regional symphonies across the Northeast and Midwest, as well as tenure as violist with the Colden String Quartet at Western Michigan University. His scholarly interests center on folk music traditions and fiddling practices, which deeply inform his arrangements and compositions. He co-authored the String Explorer method series with Alfred, and has served in leadership roles within the American String Teachers Association.

Why we love this

Dabczynski understands what keeps student orchestras engaged: every player gets a turn at the melody, not just the violins. The straightforward tune won't bog down developing readers, but the key changes and soloistic breaks reward players who are advancing, and the optional chord symbols open doors for improvisation and individual voice. It sounds authentically rooted in old-time tradition without asking you to spend rehearsal time explaining historical context.

What to expect

Lively and driving, with the spirit of a traditional fiddle tune. The melody bounces along with genuine character, and the soloistic moments give the piece a playful, almost conversational quality as different voices step forward to trade the tune.

Who it's for

Grade 2.5 string orchestras with mixed reading levels and developing technique. The accessible melody and frequent rests mean newer players stay engaged, while advancing players find challenge in the variations, key changes, and optional improvisational passages.

How to get the most out of it

  • Assign the soloistic breaks strategically by rehearsal progress. Early run-throughs can feature entire sections; later, individual players take those moments for a genuine concert impact.
  • Honor the up-beat character by keeping a buoyant tempo and encouraging clear articulation in the rhythm section, which drives the fiddle-tune energy.
  • If your orchestra includes players ready to improvise over the chord symbols, rehearse those sections separately so soloists can develop material without disrupting full-orchestra balance.

How to use it

Program this as an energizer in a concert's middle section, or use it to open a pops or family concert where audiences appreciate the folk tradition and spirited performance. The authentic styling and accessible energy make it especially effective when paired with other Americana or folk-inspired pieces.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading key changes within a single piece
  • Playing soloistic passages with confidence and blend
  • Maintaining rhythmic integrity through variations and section breaks
  • Understanding fiddle-tune articulation and phrasing
  • Optional improvisation over chord changes

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