Rhythms of Africa: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Soon Hee Newbold
Grade: 2.5
Item: 98-DST6225
$65.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Rhythms of Africa: Score | $10.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: Violin 3 (Viola T.C.) | $7.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: Viola | $7.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: Violoncello | $7.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: Double Bass | $7.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: Piano | $7.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: Marimba | $7.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: 2 Tom-toms | $7.00 | |
| Rhythms of Africa: Claves/Shaker | $7.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Inspired by the traditional folk music of Central and South Africa, this innovative piece will make a great addition to your next performance. Knee slaps and foot stomps make up some of the percussive elements typically characteristic of this music, and the melodic themes and syncopated rhythms will make you want to clap and sing. A welcome addition to the repertoire!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Rhythms of Africa: 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.
SKU:
98-DST6225
More about this title
About the Composer: Soon Hee Newbold
Soon Hee Newbold draws on her multicultural background and extensive world travel to create music that authentically reflects the traditions she encounters. A trained pianist from age five and violinist from seven, she performed as a concert artist internationally before establishing herself as a composer whose works span the full spectrum of ensemble experience, from professional orchestras to elementary beginners.
Why we love this
Newbold's approach to African folk traditions feels genuinely rooted rather than surface-level. The integration of body percussion (knee slaps and foot stomps) into a string orchestra setting transforms the ensemble into active participants in the cultural narrative, making this piece educational and energizing rather than merely performative.
What to expect
Rhythmically alive and grounded, with infectious syncopation that makes listeners move in their seats. The melodic lines carry warmth and character while the layered percussion creates an acoustic texture that feels both vibrant and accessible.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the upper elementary through middle school level seeking repertoire that honors non-Western musical traditions authentically. This piece works equally well for festival appearances or concert programming when your ensemble wants to expand beyond standard European repertoire.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the foot stomps and knee slaps as rhythmic anchors before rehearsing with pitched instruments. These percussive elements carry the harmonic and metric foundation.
- Let the syncopated rhythms breathe naturally. Resist the impulse to over-conduct; the folk idiom thrives on a looser pulse than European classical training typically emphasizes.
- Encourage singers and audience members to join the clapping and singing sections if the arrangement permits. This piece invites participation and creates ensemble energy.
How to use it
Program this alongside world music selections or place it strategically in a concert to shift energy and audience engagement. Its Grade 2.5 difficulty makes it an excellent choice for spring performances or festival competitions where you want to showcase your ensemble's versatility without overextending technical demands.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic patterns
- Coordinating pitched and unpitched percussion with melodic lines
- Understanding African musical conventions and performance practices
- Ensemble cohesion across contrasting rhythmic layers