Revelry for String Orchestra and Percussion: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Caputo writes with a clear sense of what Grade 2 students can accomplish without overwhelming them. The quirky march character keeps young players engaged while the technical teaching points (chromatic notes, trills, glissandi, syncopation) emerge naturally within the music rather than feeling like isolated exercises. You'll appreciate how the instrumentation of string orchestra plus percussion gives the piece rhythmic punch without requiring a full band setup.

A march with personality and a touch of whimsy. The quirky instrumentation and unexpected chromatic passages give it character that goes beyond the typical Grade 2 fare, while the steady pulse and rhythmic drive keep it accessible and energetic.

This score works for developing string orchestras ready to tackle more sophisticated rhythmic and technical challenges. It suits programs that pair strings with a percussion section and want a piece that's fun to perform while building genuine musicianship.

• Emphasize the hooked bowings early in rehearsals; have students mark their parts clearly and practice the bowing patterns separately before combining with pitch.
• The glissandi work best when students understand the starting and ending pitches first. Once secure on both notes, the slide becomes intentional rather than accidental.
• Balance the staccato and accent markings to define the march character. These articulations shouldn't sound harsh; they should feel crisp and light.
• Tune the chromatic passages carefully during sectionals. Young players often rush intonation in unfamiliar pitch collections, so isolate these measures and lock them in before full ensemble run-throughs.

Program this early in the concert season when students need repertoire that challenges technique without requiring months of rehearsal. It also pairs well on a concert with more lyrical material, giving the audience a change of pace and showing your students' range.

• Reading and performing chromatic passages
• Hooked bowings and string articulation techniques
• Brief second position technique on cello
• Dotted rhythm accuracy
• Trills and glissandi execution
• Syncopated rhythmic reading
• Coordinating staccato and accent markings