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Perpetual Fiddle Motion: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

$70.00 USD
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Perpetual Fiddle Motion Cover Image

Perpetual Fiddle Motion: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 2.5

Item: 98-ST6365

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Description
Here is a barnburner that will bring down the house and then some! Combining the joy of fiddle music with the thrill of perpetual motion, this high-speed rush captures the authentic feel of Appalachian folk music while adding quite a few twists. One listen and you will understand why this will undoubtedly be the hit of your next concert. Hold on!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Perpetual Fiddle Motion: 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: FJH Developing Strings
Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.
UPC: 674398233373
SKU: 98-ST6365

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages is a prolific composer and conductor whose works span orchestral, band, and chamber music across all performance levels. His compositions have been heard in major venues worldwide, from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House, performed by ensembles ranging from professional orchestras to school programs. He is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association, recipient of the A. Austin Harding Award, and won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest.

Beyond the concert hall, Balmages has served as guest conductor at major conferences including the Midwest Clinic and Western International Band Clinic, and his music was featured in the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. He holds degrees from James Madison University and the University of Miami, and currently serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.

Why we love this

This piece harnesses genuine Appalachian fiddle energy without sacrificing musicianship or orchestral sophistication. Grade 2.5 students can actually execute the rhythmic propulsion and melodic clarity that makes fiddle music come alive, and the authentic folk foundation gives young players something concrete to grab onto. Contest seasons need finales that energize both stage and audience, and this delivers exactly that.

What to expect

A fiddle tune unleashed at full gallop, all rhythmic momentum and infectious motion. The music captures the joy and drive of Appalachian folk traditions while maintaining enough musical substance to respect young musicians' growing abilities.

Who it's for

String orchestras at the Grade 2.5 level looking for repertoire with authentic musical roots and crowd-engaging energy. This works equally well for developing ensembles preparing for festivals or for programs seeking a finale that demonstrates student musicianship without requiring advanced technical facility.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythmic drive in your first rehearsal by playing the accompaniment pattern separately before adding the melody line; perpetual motion pieces collapse if the pulse wavers.
  • Record a sectional rehearsal with just the melody players and listen back together to identify where the line loses momentum or intonation clarity.
  • Shape the Appalachian character through articulation consistency across all strings rather than relying on rubato; folk music thrives on rhythmic confidence.
  • Resist the urge to slow it down. The piece derives its charm from maintaining the high-speed energy throughout, which actually helps younger players stay focused.

How to use it

Reserve this for your concert closer or festival finale, where the high energy and accessibility can leave the strongest impression on your audience. It pairs naturally with other folk-inspired pieces or can stand alone as a showstopper that sends listeners home energized.

Skills your students will build

  • Executing and maintaining consistent rhythmic drive in fast-moving accompaniment patterns
  • Playing fiddle-inspired articulation and phrasing with period authenticity
  • Intonation precision during high-speed melodic passages
  • Ensemble cohesion when executing perpetual motion techniques
  • Understanding folk music traditions and their orchestral adaptation

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