The Family Madrigal (from Encanto) (arr. Larry Moore): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Warm, buoyant, and rhythmically alive. The vallenato melody carries an inherent joy that the arrangement amplifies through layered string textures and driving accompaniment figures that make players want to lean into the pulse.

Middle school string orchestras and young high school ensembles looking to expand beyond traditional European repertoire. This works equally well for groups with intermediate players who need exposure to syncopated styles and for ensembles preparing a concert with contemporary or film music.

• Lock the syncopated figures between violins and lower strings early; these rhythms define the piece's character, so spend rehearsal time ensuring they land together rather than cleaning them up later.
• Shape the opening statements with clear articulation that lands on the backbeats; light bow strokes help young players feel the vallenato pulse rather than fight it.
• Balance the melodic line against the rhythmic accompaniment by having students listen across parts during rehearsal, not just play their own line.

Include this on a film music concert alongside other Disney arrangements or contemporary works to show your students that string orchestras can own pop and film repertoire. It also pairs naturally with programs exploring world music or Latin American traditions, giving students both cultural context and musical fun in the same piece.

• Playing syncopated rhythmic patterns across multiple string parts
• Maintaining steady pulse while executing rhythmic layers that don't align with the downbeat
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in a homophonic texture
• Reading and executing articulation markings that shape rhythmic character
• Collaborating across sections to lock ensemble rhythms