Puttin' on the Pizz: Flexible String Ensemble Score & Parts

$50.00 USD

Puttin' on the Pizz: Flexible String Ensemble Score & Parts

Name: Puttin' on the Pizz: Flexible String Ensemble Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-48073
Price: 50.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Chris M. Bernotas

Grade: 1

Item: 00-48073

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This title features Alfred Music's String Orchestra FLEX options. That means that every part in this set is now transposed into every other part, so you can play this title with any combination of like- or mixed-string ensemble. After purchasing this set, decide what additional parts you need to meet the unique needs of your ensemble, then download and print them for free at alfred.com/supplemental---free of charge.

Puttin' on the Pizz by Chris Bernotas is sure to become a favorite selection of students and directors. The descending bass line sets the stage for this fun piece. All notes stay in first position and the string orchestra plays pizzicato throughout. Students also have the chance to act as the percussion section. With the optional use of 'swinging' eighth notes, Puttin' on the Pizz could be a fun way to introduce a jazzy style to the string orchestra. Everyone in the audience (and in the orchestra) will be tapping their toes to this piece. Violin 2 and Viola are doubled, as are Cello and String Bass, which will work perfectly for younger string orchestras. Correlated to Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 1, Level 4. (2:30) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Puttin' on the Pizz: Flexible String Ensemble 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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Series: Sound Innovations for String Orchestra

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 66

UPC: 038081557618

SKU: 00-48073

More about this title

About the Composer: Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas directs instrumental publications at Alfred Music, where he shapes curriculum and repertoire for band and orchestra programs. Over 25 years in music education have given him deep insight into what teachers need and what students can accomplish at every developmental stage.

As both composer and clinician, Bernotas writes music that balances musicality with pedagogy. He conducts honor groups, leads workshops, and co-authored key resources including the Sound Innovations series. His compositions span concert literature and educational materials, all grounded in classroom experience and a commitment to making music accessible without sacrificing artistry.

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Why we love this

The FLEX instrumentation system removes scheduling headaches. You buy once and download the exact parts your ensemble needs, whether you're running full strings, mixed doubles, or anything in between. Pizzicato throughout keeps young players engaged with rhythmic precision and fun, while that descending bass line gives the piece instant character and forward momentum.

What to expect

Groovy and light. The descending bass line propels the piece forward with a jazz-adjacent sensibility, while pizzicato strings create a percussive bounce that pulls the whole ensemble into an easy swing. This is music that makes audiences smile and students feel the rhythm in their bodies.

Who it's for

String orchestras in grades 1 to 1.5 who are ready for rhythmic independence and pizzicato technique but still need to stay in first position. Directors working with mixed-size ensembles will especially appreciate the FLEX system, which adapts to fluctuating enrollment without reprinting costs.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the descending bass line clearly in the first rehearsal so all players hear it as the harmonic anchor. Have cellists and basses lock in together, then layer the upper voices on top.
Experiment with swing eighth notes in a separate rehearsal once the basic articulation is secure. Start at a comfortable tempo, then gradually increase energy as players gain confidence with the stylistic shift.
Let students who double on percussion strike their notes with clarity and precise timing. This transforms what could be a backing rhythm into an active conversation with the pizzicato strings.

How to use it

Insert this into a concert as an upbeat contrast to more lyrical repertoire, or open a program with it to establish audience engagement early. It works equally well at school assemblies, pops concerts, or as a fun closer that celebrates what your string program can accomplish together.