Solaris: String Orchestra Conductor Score

$10.00 USD

Solaris: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Name: Solaris: String Orchestra Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-50851S
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Cooper Ford

Grade: 3

Item: 00-50851S

$10.00

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One moment…

Imagine the thrill of flying among the stars. Solaris, by Cooper Ford, paints this exciting musical picture through its variety of rhythmic motion and surprising harmonic textures. Centered in D minor, each part employs different bowing techniques and some shifting in the 1st violin, cello, and bass parts. This piece will be lots of fun for both performers and audiences alike! (3:40)

The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:

Assignment, recording, and assessment tools within MakeMusic Cloud
Piece-specific exercises focused on skills and techniques
Educational tips and suggestions to support learning

Available in print and digital formats.

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Series: Belwin String Orchestra - PerformancePlus+

Publisher: Alfred Music

ISBN10: 1-4706-6777-0

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-6777-1

UPC: 038081586656

SKU: 00-50851S

More about this title

About the Composer: Cooper Ford

Cooper Ford grew up in Chatham, New Jersey, where he began studying violin and trumpet through his school's music program. His teachers recognized his compositional talent early on and supported him in developing that interest alongside his instrumental training. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The College of New Jersey and later completed a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Florida.

Ford has taught orchestra at North Brunswick Township High School in North Brunswick, New Jersey, where he also leads Music Production classes. He previously served on the conducting staff of the New Jersey Youth Symphony, working with students in grades 5-7. Active as a guest conductor and clinician, he holds membership in both the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

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Why we love this

Ford's orchestration balances accessibility with musical substance. Grade 3 orchestras often settle for unambitious writing, but Solaris demands real musicianship: shifting in the upper strings, varied bowing textures, and harmonic language that rewards listening. The D minor center gives the piece cohesion while the rhythmic variety keeps rehearsals engaging across all three and a half minutes.

What to expect

Solaris captures the wonder of moving through space with rhythmic momentum and shimmering harmonic color. The piece unfolds as a journey: moments of forward motion meet passages of floating contemplation, all tied together by Ford's careful orchestral writing.

Who it's for

Grade 3 string orchestras seeking concert or festival programming that combines approachable technical demands with genuine musical interest. This piece suits orchestras ready to handle multiple bowing techniques and intonation work without overwhelming them.

How to get the most out of it

Pay close attention to bowing consistency within each section. The varying techniques Ford specifies are central to the piece's character, so establish clear visual cues during rehearsal for transitions between bowing styles.
Bring out the shifting passages in first violin, cello, and bass deliberately. These moments expose intonation, so mark fingerings in advance and isolate them in sectionals before full ensemble rehearsals.
Balance the harmonic textures by adjusting dynamics across parts rather than simply playing what's marked. Test different balances in the middle sections where the texture becomes more complex.
Use the PerformancePlus+ recording as a reference for tempo and overall shape, but encourage your orchestra to find their own ensemble sound rather than mirroring it exactly.

How to use it

Solaris works well as a mid-concert selection that showcases orchestral texture without requiring the stamina of a major work. Its three and a half minute duration makes it ideal for festival competition rounds or as a bridge piece between opening statements and closing showpieces.