Special Occasions (Music for Special Occasions and Events): 2nd Violin
Arr. Bob Phillips
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PC-0001548_VN2
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Description
Here's the answer when the orchestra needs to play for birthdays, events at the school or in the community, or to honor someone. Simple Advocacy! Make your program visible with these very easy songs. All in D Major and very playable, the four movements are each self-contained featuring the songs "Happy Birthday to You," "For He/She's a Jolly Good Fellow," "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Pomp and Circumstance." Perfect to leave in the folder all year long! (3:00)
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Beginning String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
72
SKU:
00-PC-0001548_VN2
More about this title
About the Arranger: Bob Phillips
Bob Phillips has shaped string education across North America through decades of innovative pedagogy and prolific composition. Since the 1980s, he has authored over 25 instructional series and published more than 200 works for orchestras and bands, earning recognition as an ASCAP award-winning composer whose pieces are performed by thousands of students annually. His arrangements span classical, jazz, folk, rock, mariachi, and Latin styles, making him a distinctive voice in expanding what string orchestras can perform.
For 27 years, Phillips built the Saline, Michigan string program into a national model serving over 700 students. He founded the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, which performed more than 80 shows yearly and appeared multiple times at the White House and the Midwest Clinic. His work as conductor and arranger for youth orchestras, all-state ensembles, and summer camps (including Interlochen and Blue Lake) has influenced music education across the country. His instructional DVD series and eclectic style publications continue to shape how teachers approach large group instruction.
Why we love this
This set answers a real scheduling need without sacrificing musicality. The four movements work independently, so you can pull out just the piece you need for that assembly, ceremony, or community event without committing to the full four minutes. Every arrangement sits comfortably in D Major with straightforward voicing that keeps ensemble focus on execution rather than fighting the range.
What to expect
Bright, familiar, and ceremonial. The D Major tonality and simple harmonic movement give these pieces a open, optimistic quality, while the arrangement honors the recognizable melodies that audiences already know and love. Each movement feels complete and intentional on its own, never filler.
Who it's for
String orchestras in Grades 2.5 and up who need accessible repertoire for special events, assemblies, holiday concerts, and community celebrations. These arrangements work for school orchestras, community youth orchestras, or any ensemble seeking straightforward, dependable music that reads easily and performs with immediate impact.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the ensemble's intonation on open D strings at the start of each rehearsal, since this key will feel immediately familiar and secure once that pitch center is locked in.
- Let your violas and cellos carry the harmonic weight on the slower pieces; they anchor the tuning and give the entire sound body and warmth.
- Record a quick run-through of each movement and have students listen to it once before the performance to reinforce what confident execution sounds like.
- Keep the opening of 'Pomp and Circumstance' crisp and march-like; younger ensembles often drag here, so mark a clear pulse in rehearsal.
How to use it
Keep the entire set in your orchestra's folders year-round so you're always ready when an unexpected performance opportunity arises. Select individual movements for concert closers, school assemblies, or patriotic events. Consider programming 'Pomp and Circumstance' as a processional for awards ceremonies or spring concerts where formal elegance serves the occasion.
Skills your students will build
- Reading in D Major with confidence and secure intonation
- Balancing ensemble texture across four independent movements
- Performing celebratory and ceremonial music with appropriate character and tempo control
- Quick preparation and reliable performance of familiar melodic material