Spirit of the American West: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Soon Hee Newbold
Grade: 2
Item: 98-DST6033
$75.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit of the American West: Score | $11.00 | |
| Spirit of the American West: Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| Spirit of the American West: Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| Spirit of the American West: Optional Violin 3 (Viola) | $7.00 | |
| Spirit of the American West: Viola | $7.00 | |
| Spirit of the American West: Violoncello | $7.00 | |
| Spirit of the American West: Double Bass | $7.00 | |
| Spirit of the American West: Piano | $7.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Two contrasting themes unite in this western-style work by skilled composer, Soon Hee Newbold. Beginning in D major, the two melodies effectively transition through G and C major. An easy work to put together with an innovative sound.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Spirit of the American West: 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:
FJH Developing Strings
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DST6033
More about this title
About the Composer: Soon Hee Newbold
Soon Hee Newbold brings a global musical perspective to her compositions, shaped by decades of performance and travel across multiple continents. Her background as both pianist and violinist, beginning at ages five and seven respectively, informs the instrumental writing in her works, which span from professional orchestras to developing ensembles and have graced stages including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center.
As a composer and conductor, Newbold has worked with orchestras and bands throughout the United States and internationally in countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, and China. Her music also extends to film and recording projects in Hollywood. She is regularly invited as a guest clinician and keynote speaker, sharing her approach to blending cultural and ethnic influences with accessible writing for musicians at all levels.
Why we love this
Newbold crafts a piece that sounds far more sophisticated than its Grade 2 designation suggests. The western-style character feels fresh and intentional rather than generic, and the strategic key modulations (D to G to C major) give your students a genuine harmonic journey without overwhelming them technically.
What to expect
Expansive and spirited, with the character of the American landscape. The two melodies work in conversation, creating momentum as the piece travels through keys, all within an accessible technical range that lets musicians focus on musical expression rather than survival.
Who it's for
String orchestras in grades 2-3 looking for repertoire that sounds polished and thematic without excessive technical demands. Directors seeking contest or festival material that captures an American sound will find a piece that students enjoy learning and audiences enjoy hearing.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the two contrasting themes so each retains its distinct character. The first melody should feel confident and open; the second can take on a different color or dynamic level to highlight the contrast.
- Use the key transitions as natural rehearsal points. Mark D major, G major, and C major sections clearly, and isolate each key area until students hear the shift as intentional rather than abrupt.
- Shape phrases around the melodic content rather than strict bar lines. Grade 2 orchestras benefit from thinking musically about where themes breathe and resolve.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a standalone concert piece or festival entry, or as part of a program exploring American themes or regional music. The moderate length and accessible difficulty make it ideal for early-season programming when you're building ensemble cohesion.
Skills your students will build
- Recognizing and performing contrasting melodic themes
- Reading and executing key changes (D major, G major, C major)
- Balancing melody and accompaniment parts within a string ensemble
- Shaping phrases with intentional rubato and dynamic expression
- Understanding western and American musical idioms