Sword Dance: String Orchestra Conductor Score

$10.00 USD

Sword Dance: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Name: Sword Dance: String Orchestra Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-20570S
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Arr. Bob Phillips

Grade: 1

Item: 00-20570S

$10.00

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Looking for a piece that's fun to play but still educationally sound? Try Sword Dance on your next concert. Students will love this high-energy tune from the Renaissance era. The piece starts with a presentation of the tune in the low strings that continues in the violins. It is then played antiphonally, followed by a pizzicato variation that concludes in an exuberant, fast-paced ending. Correlated with String Explorer, Book 1, Unit 12. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Series: Highland/Etling String Explorer

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

ISBN10: 1-4706-5400-8

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-5400-9

UPC: 038081203904

SKU: 00-20570S

More about this title

About the Arranger: Bob Phillips

Bob Phillips has shaped string education for decades through prolific composing, arranging, and teaching. A founding figure in eclectic string pedagogy, he authored over 25 instructional series and more than 200 published works for orchestras and bands, earning recognition as an ASCAP award-winning composer whose pieces are performed by thousands of students annually and regularly heard at the Midwest Clinic.

For 27 years, Phillips built the Saline, Michigan string program into a national model serving over 700 students across classical and contemporary styles. He founded the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, which became internationally recognized, and has conducted all-state orchestras, youth symphonies, and honor ensembles across the country. His instructional video series, String Clinics to Go, continues to support teachers nationwide.

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Why we love this

This arrangement captures the rhythmic energy of Renaissance dance music while staying within the technical reach of first-year orchestra students. The structural variety—sectional melody, antiphonal trading, pizzicato texture, and accelerating finale—keeps players engaged without demanding advanced technique, and the piece delivers genuine musical satisfaction rather than just marking rehearsal time.

What to expect

A spirited Renaissance dance brought to life with youthful vigor. The piece moves from stately low-string melody to playful antiphonal banter, then loosens into pizzicato sparkle before racing toward an exuberant finish that leaves audiences smiling and students energized.

Who it's for

Grade 1 string orchestras ready to explore varied textures and structural techniques within their technical range. This piece works especially well for groups progressing through String Explorer, Book 1 and seeking concert or festival material that stretches musicality without overextending technique.

How to get the most out of it

Establish clear internal pulse during the low string opening so violins can enter confidently; this handoff determines the energy of the entire piece.
Balance the antiphonal sections by adjusting chair placement or seating arrangement so both groups can hear each other and lock in rhythmically.
Shape the pizzicato variation with dynamic lift; students often play plucked passages too softly, so encourage full sound within the lighter articulation.
Build tempo gradually into the fast-paced ending rather than jumping to full speed; give the accelerando room to breathe so the final section lands with impact.

How to use it

Open a concert with this to establish energy and connection immediately, or place it mid-program as a tonal palate cleanser between heavier works. Its celebratory character and moderate length (8 pages) make it ideal for festivals, competition sets, or informal spring performances where students benefit from playing something approachable yet satisfying.