Royal March of the Lion Cover Image

Royal March of the Lion: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

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Royal March of the Lion Cover Image

Royal March of the Lion: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

From Carnival of the Animals

By Camille Saint-Saëns / arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle

Grade: 1

Item: 00-51042

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Description
Royal March of the Lion is the introduction from the famous "Carnival of the Animals" by Camille Saint-Saëns. This arrangement by Carrie Lane Gruselle lets students portray a dignified procession honoring the king of the forest! All musicians get to play the lion's growl through an easy portamento that is also guaranteed to ensure students play with a relaxed left hand. (2:00)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Royal March of the Lion: 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: MakeMusic Developing Strings
Publisher: MakeMusic Publications
ISBN10: 1-4706-6609-X
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-6609-5
UPC: 038081584706
SKU: 00-51042

More about this title

About the Composer: Camille Saint-Saëns

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was a French composer, organist, and pianist whose technical mastery and prolific output made him one of the most performed classical composers of his time. His gift for melody and orchestration shaped generations of music students; his works remain cornerstones of the concert repertoire and essential listening in music education.

Saint-Saëns composed across nearly every genre: symphonies, concertos, operas, chamber music, and keyboard works. His ability to write music that is both intellectually sophisticated and immediately engaging makes his compositions ideal for young musicians discovering the classical tradition.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the swagger and pageantry of the original while keeping the technical demands manageable for younger orchestras. The portamento technique becomes a teaching moment rather than an obstacle; students discover how a simple left-hand gesture can animate an entire melody and create genuine character.

What to expect

A royal procession unfolds before you: dignified, unhurried, and subtly theatrical. The lion's growl emerges naturally from the left hand, reminding players that great music comes from intentional physical choices, not just reading notes.

Who it's for

First-year string orchestras and developing string programs will find this arrangement perfectly scaled to their skills. It introduces an iconic classical melody without overwhelm, allowing students to build confidence while connecting to music they recognize.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the portamento as a graceful glide rather than a scoop. Think of it as a dignified stroll, not a slide whistle effect.
  • Balance the melody across all sections so the lion's procession feels ceremonial. Violas and cellos need to project the bass line with the same pride as the violins carry the tune.
  • Keep the tempo steady and deliberate; rushing undercuts the majesty of the moment. Let the two-minute arc breathe.

How to use it

Open a concert or festival round with this piece to establish an engaging tone and signal that classical music belongs on the stage with humor and personality. At two minutes, it pairs well with longer works and gives newer players an early-concert confidence boost.

Skills your students will build

  • Portamento (gliding between pitches) with proper left-hand technique
  • Balancing melody and accompaniment across string sections
  • Sustaining tone quality over longer phrases
  • Following a conductor through programmatic storytelling
  • Coordination between all parts in a full ensemble texture

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