Reel Time: 1st Violin
Featuring "Middletown Reel" and "Orange County Reel"
By Bob Phillips
Grade: 1.5
Item: 00-PC-0017841_VN1
$5.99
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Description
Perfectly scored for young players in the keys of G and A Dorian, this fun and energetic piece, "Reel Time" by Bob Phillips, is comprised of two original fiddle tunes. "Middletown Reel" is an old-time style reel while "Orange County Reel" has an Irish flavor. The melodic content is passed throughout all sections, and the piece culminates in a bravura ending that will make for a great concert closer.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Reel Time: 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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Additional Details
Series:
Sound Innovations for String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
148
SKU:
00-PC-0017841_VN1
More about this title
About the Composer: Bob Phillips
Bob Phillips has spent decades shaping string education through both pedagogy and composition. Since 1953, he has created over 25 instructional series and 200 published works while building the Saline string program into a nationally recognized model serving over 700 students. His innovations span classical and folk traditions equally; he founded the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, which performed internationally and at the White House, and he has arranged for professional ensembles like Barrage 8.
Phillips's influence extends throughout the profession as a clinician, conductor, and mentor. He has led orchestras at Interlochen, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and all-state programs across multiple states, and served as resident conductor for the Wintergrass Festival in Seattle. His work has earned ASCAP recognition and regular performances at the Midwest Clinic, cementing his reputation as one of today's most prolific voices in accessible string repertoire.
Why we love this
Phillips writes from decades of experience working directly with young string players, and it shows in every bar. The way melodic material travels through all sections ensures every player feels the story unfolding, while the carefully chosen keys of G and A Dorian keep technical demands manageable without sacrificing authenticity. A reel that closes your concert with genuine energy and joy is rare at this grade level.
What to expect
Energetic and accessible, with the infectious swing of genuine fiddle music. The piece has a homespun charm that audiences recognize immediately; the two reels unfold with clear character and the bravura finish lands with satisfaction and joy.
Who it's for
Young string orchestras at the early intermediate level who are ready to explore folk traditions with authentic style. This works equally well for ensembles building their concert repertoire and those developing comfort with non-classical idioms.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the tempo driving and consistent throughout; reels depend on rhythmic momentum rather than rubato. Use the conductor's score to establish a steady pulse before rehearsing with parts.
- Emphasize the character differences between the two tunes: treat "Middletown Reel" with an old-time, slightly grounded feel, then shift to a brighter, more lilting Irish character for "Orange County Reel."
- Balance tutti and solo passages carefully. When melody passes to a new section, ensure that section has enough dynamic support to project without overwhelming the overall texture.
- The bravura ending rewards clarity and confidence in the rhythm section. Drill the ensemble's final rhythmic figures together separate from the melodic lines.
How to use it
Reserve this for your final concert piece of the season; the high energy and celebratory ending provide a natural climax to any spring concert. It also works beautifully alongside other folk or contemporary works when you want to demonstrate your orchestra's stylistic range.
Skills your students will build
- Playing with authentic folk phrasing and rhythmic lift in G major and A Dorian
- Passing melody fluidly between sections while maintaining tonal consistency
- Building rhythmic precision and ensemble unity in reel tempo
- Executing sustained notes and accompaniment figures that support rather than compete with melodic lines
- Performing at dynamic levels that support full orchestral sound and projection