Set a Course: String Orchestra Conductor Score

$10.00 USD

Set a Course: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Name: Set a Course: String Orchestra Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-49931S
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Doug Spata

Grade: 1.5

Item: 00-49931S

$10.00

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Beginners will enjoy the dashing style of Set a Course by Doug Spata while exploring new playing techniques! Familiar notes and rhythms keep the music approachable, and an optional piano part adds additional support. This is a thrilling concert selection that's also a great way to show off a variety of new skills. (2:00)

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Series: Highland/Etling String Orchestra

Publisher: Alfred Music

ISBN10: 1-4706-5785-6

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-5785-7

UPC: 038081575711

SKU: 00-49931S

More about this title

About the Composer: Doug Spata

Doug Spata studied clarinet but found his calling as a string orchestra educator. That classroom experience became the foundation for his compositional voice, leading him to focus on writing for strings almost exclusively. His works have earned recognition across the country and internationally, performed by student ensembles and professional orchestras alike.

Beyond the educational repertoire he's known for, Spata has composed across multiple genres and scales: an opera, ballet scores, symphonies, and chamber works for groups of every size. His music resonates with teachers, student players, and audiences because it combines musical substance with genuine understanding of what young musicians need to learn.

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Why we love this

Spata writes with obvious affection for what beginning string players can actually accomplish. Set a Course maintains genuine musicality while keeping the technical demands reasonable, and the optional piano part gives you flexibility depending on your accompaniment resources. The piece works equally well as a concert highlight or a festival selection because it's both audience-friendly and satisfying for the students playing it.

What to expect

Energetic and confident. The piece carries real momentum and forward drive, with the dashing style keeping performers engaged throughout its two-minute duration. It lands somewhere between 'we can actually do this' and 'listen to what we've learned,' which is exactly where young musicians thrive.

Who it's for

Grade 1.5 string orchestras ready to branch beyond open-string material and explore new technical territory without abandoning accessibility. This works well for ensembles preparing for festivals or wanting a concert piece that demonstrates growth while remaining genuinely enjoyable to rehearse.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the dashing character with clean articulation from the entire ensemble; young players often rush when excited, so anchor the tempo through consistent bow weight.
If using the optional piano part, schedule rehearsals with your accompanist early so the strings can lock into those supporting harmonies.
Highlight the new techniques as teaching moments during rehearsal rather than obstacles; students take pride in executing fresh skills when they understand the 'why.'

How to use it

Open a concert with Set a Course to establish energy and momentum, or place it mid-program where it can underscore technical progress without overshadowing larger works in your lineup. Its two-minute length also makes it ideal for festival competitions where you want to showcase a broad range of new skills within strict time constraints.