The Insatiably Curious Elephant Child: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Arranged by Seymour Barab
Item: 35-PK00271246
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Description
for Narrator and Chamber Orchestra. Adapted from The Elephant's Child, one of Rudyard Kipling's Just-So Stories Duration: 15:00
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00271246
More about this title
About the Arranger: Seymour Barab
Seymour Barab was an American composer and conductor with a gift for bringing stories to life through music. His arrangements and original works for young performers demonstrate deep understanding of how narrative and instrumental color can deepen musical engagement, making classical forms accessible without sacrificing sophistication.
Why we love this
Barab's orchestration captures the mischievous energy and wonder of Kipling's tale without overshadowing the narrator's voice. The writing sits comfortably for student string players while requiring genuine musicianship, making it rewarding for both conductors and ensembles at the intermediate level.
What to expect
Playful yet thoughtful, with musical moments that mirror the Elephant Child's journey of curiosity and discovery. The orchestration dances between whimsy and genuine emotional texture, capturing both the humor and deeper resonance of Kipling's just-so story.
Who it's for
Directors seeking a chamber work that integrates drama and orchestration for intermediate string orchestras. This piece engages young players in collaborative storytelling while building their ability to listen and respond to a soloist's pacing and interpretation.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the narrator carefully in rehearsal; the strings should support but never compete with the storytelling.
- Establish clear character through articulation choices. Crisp, lighter bowings can emphasize the Elephant Child's curiosity while broader strokes can paint the more reflective moments.
- Consider spatial placement during performance. Positioning the narrator distinctly from the orchestra helps audiences follow both the narrative thread and musical development simultaneously.
- Work on ensemble precision in the accompanimental passages so attention naturally gravitates to the narrator during dialogue and story-driven sections.
How to use it
Program this as a concert centerpiece that invites audience members into something genuinely theatrical. The 15-minute duration makes it ideal for a full concert program or a special assembly performance that doubles as an engaging introduction to orchestral storytelling.
Skills your students will build
- Ensemble balance and listening while accompanying a soloist
- Musical characterization through articulation and dynamic shaping
- Coordination between conductor, narrator, and string sections
- Sustained bow control in lyrical passages
- Rhythmic precision in staccato and pizzicato figurations