Swing on a String: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

$50.00 USD

Swing on a String: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Swing on a String: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-ST6071
Price: 50.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Martin Norgaard

Grade: 3

Item: 98-ST6071

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Here's an exciting opportunity to incorporate jazz into your classroom and concert hall with this medium slow swing chart. An optional drum set part really helps set the mood. An open solo section enables you to feature as many players as you would like, with optional backgrounds in the other parts. All players are given a sample solo along with a solo sheet on the back of their parts teaching them the basics of improvisation. In this case, the entire basis of the solo is a G Major scale, making for a positive experience for virtually any performer. Outstanding writing by a jazz violinist!

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Series: FJH String Orchestra

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 674398214990

SKU: 98-ST6071

More about this title

About the Composer: Martin Norgaard

Martin Norgaard is a violinist and composer with deep roots in jazz pedagogy. His work bridges classical training and improvisational idiom, giving him insight into how string players learn and internalize jazz vocabulary.

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Why we love this

This chart solves the perpetual challenge of teaching improvisation to string players without overwhelming them. By anchoring the solo entirely in a single G Major scale, Norgaard removes the harmonic guesswork and lets students focus on phrasing, timing, and swing feel. The open solo section with optional backgrounds creates real flexibility: you can feature your section leaders one at a time, run a section improvisation, or even encourage group solos.

What to expect

Easy-going and playful, with the relaxed groove of a medium swing feel. The soloist floats over a steady pulse while section harmonies paint warm, accessible colors. There's real joy in the accessibility here: no one struggles with changes, and the rhythm section locks into a steady pocket that makes soloing feel natural.

Who it's for

String orchestras working toward a contest or festival performance, or any program looking to add authentic jazz repertoire without requiring extensive improvisation background. This works equally well for students encountering swing for the first time and for groups already comfortable with jazz idioms.

How to get the most out of it

Study the sample solo provided in each part before rehearsal. Have students sing through it first to internalize the rhythmic phrasing and swing articulation.
Lock the rhythm section early. If you have a drummer, spend time getting the swing feel settled before asking soloists to navigate over it.
Rotate who takes the open section in rehearsals. This gives quieter players a low-stakes chance to explore improvisation without putting a spotlight on them in performance.
Balance the optional backgrounds carefully. They should support the soloist without drowning them out; consider asking accompaniment players to listen and respond dynamically to the solo line.

How to use it

Pair this with a traditional concerto or classical suite to show your audience the full range of string writing. It's equally at home as a standalone set closer that sends the audience out smiling. The optional drum set part also gives you a chance to feature an ensemble musician who might not play in your main orchestra.