The Haunted Carousel Cover Image

The Haunted Carousel: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

$65.00 USD
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The Haunted Carousel Cover Image

The Haunted Carousel: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

By Soon Hee Newbold

Grade: 2.5

Item: 98-ST6199

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Description
Truly imaginative! The melancholy yet alluring melody conjures images of an old carousel that is cursed or haunted by spirits. From the eerie harmonies of the opening to the more spirited melodies that follow, this work takes listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions as they experience the many moods of the haunted carousel. Pedagogically, the work introduces high 3 fingerings and accidentals. Sure to be a concert favorite!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Haunted Carousel: 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.
UPC: 674398225217
SKU: 98-ST6199

More about this title

About the Composer: Soon Hee Newbold

Soon Hee Newbold

Soon Hee Newbold draws on a lifetime of musical experience across continents to craft works that blend cultural idioms with accessible orchestration. Beginning piano study at five and violin at seven, she developed into a concert artist performing globally before establishing herself as a composer whose music reaches ensembles at every level, from professional orchestras at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to beginning students in school programs worldwide.

Why we love this

Newbold captures the delicious tension between melancholy and intrigue without sacrificing playfulness, making this genuinely engaging for young string players rather than merely atmospheric. The programmatic arc unfolds naturally from eerie opening to spirited sections, holding student attention while introducing real technical challenges like high 3 fingerings and accidentals that feel organic to the storytelling rather than imposed.

What to expect

The carousel itself becomes a character: beautiful and familiar, yet something is wrong. The melancholy melody draws you in, eerie harmonies keep you unsettled, and just when you sense the darkness, a brighter section lifts you onto the spinning horses, only to descend again into shadows. It's unsettling in the best way, more sophisticated than typical spooky music.

Who it's for

String orchestras at the 2.5 grade level who are ready to tackle higher positions and accidentals while still thriving on strong melodic material. This works equally well for concert bands looking to round out a mixed program or for orchestras seeking a Halloween-themed piece that has real musical substance beyond novelty appeal.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the opening harmonies with careful dynamic control and clear intonation so the eerie quality reads as intentional rather than sloppy. The haunting effect depends on precision.
  • When introducing high 3 fingerings, have students locate them silently first, then play phrases slowly to build confidence before bringing tempo up.
  • Balance the melody between sections as the mood shifts from melancholy to spirited. A rehearsal with clear dynamic marks and expressive intent prevents the piece from feeling disjointed.
  • Use the programmatic title during sectional rehearsals; asking players what emotional moment they are creating helps younger orchestras commit to character changes rather than treating them as mechanical shifts.

How to use it

Position this as your opening piece for an October or Halloween concert to set mood and energy immediately, then follow with contrasting material to vary the emotional landscape. It also works beautifully as a standalone feature within a themed program exploring character pieces or programmatic storytelling.

Skills your students will build

  • High 3 fingerings across multiple string instruments
  • Reading and intonating accidentals in context
  • Dynamic shaping and ensemble balance across sectional shifts
  • Sustained tone production for eerie harmonic passages
  • Navigating mood changes and programmatic interpretation

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