Secret World: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

$49.00 USD

Secret World: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Secret World: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-45831
Price: 49.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Michael Hopkins

Grade: 2.5

Item: 00-45831

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This high-energy, rhythmic work in E minor---with a mysterious theme---features a syncopated motive that will delight players. Chromatic harmonies give students opportunities to develop their intonation. This original work by Michael Hopkins combines the use of slow and fast bow strokes to help students learn to control the speed of the bow, and features a variety of dynamic contrasts. All sections of the orchestra have challenging and interesting parts. (4:20)

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Series: Belwin Intermediate String Orchestra

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 144

UPC: 038081523378

SKU: 00-45831

More about this title

About the Composer: Michael Hopkins

Michael Hopkins leads the music education program at the University of Michigan, where he teaches string techniques, orchestra methods, and music psychology to future teachers and conductors. His background spans conducting university orchestras, directing secondary ensembles across multiple states, and founding the Burlington Chamber Orchestra. He has guest-conducted at over 100 orchestra festivals and clinics nationwide, bringing practical experience from the podium directly into his pedagogical work.

Hopkins has composed and arranged more than 70 published orchestral works while establishing himself as a researcher and voice in string education. His articles appear regularly in journals including the Journal of Research in Music Education and American String Teacher. He authored The Art of String Teaching, a foundational resource for music education students, orchestra directors, and private instructors.

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Why we love this

A composer who has spent decades in the orchestra conductor's chair writes music that actually works in rehearsal. The syncopated motive hooks players immediately, the chromatic writing pushes intonation in purposeful ways, and every section gets material worth playing. You'll find yourself spending rehearsal time on music-making, not solving awkward orchestration problems.

What to expect

The mysterious opening draws listeners in with its E minor tonality and syncopated hook, building into a propulsive, high-energy work that never loses its atmospheric edge. The piece balances rhythmic drive with moments of intrigue, keeping both players and audiences engaged across its four-plus minutes.

Who it's for

Grade 2.5 orchestras ready for rhythmic challenge and intonation work that goes beyond open strings. This piece suits ensembles with solid fundamentals who can handle syncopation and chromatic harmony without losing focus on tone production.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the syncopated motive as a unified ensemble voice across sections. Work for rhythmic precision in unison passages before layering the harmonies, so the rhythmic identity stays clear even when chromatic movement adds density.
Isolate bow control work on the contrasting bow stroke sections. Have students practice the transitions between slow and fast bow speeds separately, then integrate them into the full texture so changes don't disrupt the ensemble.
Balance the mysterious theme against the high-energy sections by establishing a clear dynamic baseline. The frequent dynamic contrasts will read more effectively if players understand the range between the softest and loudest moments in context.

How to use it

Program this as a concert opener or early-season festival entry to establish ensemble identity through contemporary string writing. The contest-friendly format and built-in technical variety make it valuable for winter or spring concert programs where you want to showcase rhythm section precision and intonation development.