The Waltzing Cat: String Orchestra Conductor Score

$6.00 USD

The Waltzing Cat: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Name: The Waltzing Cat: String Orchestra Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-31524S
Price: 6.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

By Leroy Anderson / arr. Jack Bullock

Grade: 2.5

Item: 00-31524S

$6.00

Shipped

One moment…

A totally charming piece from the master of light classical music! Written during the period when Anderson's music was composed for and introduced by The Boston Pops Orchestra, it continues to maintain the popularity that occurred with the very first performance. This simple arrangement serves as an introduction for students to this popular music style and this remarkable composer.

The Waltzing Cat: String Orchestra Conductor Score isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Request This Title

Tell us you want it.

Start Your Free Trial

Explore everything that's ready to play right now.

No sample audio found.

No sample videos found.

Series: Orchestra Expressions

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081344324

SKU: 00-31524S

More about this title

About the Composer: Leroy Anderson

Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) was an American composer who became synonymous with light classical music and the Boston Pops Orchestra. His gift for orchestration and melodic charm produced dozens of concert pieces that remain staples of youth orchestra and community band programs today.

Anderson studied composition at Harvard University and became an arranger for the Boston Pops under conductor Arthur Fiedler. The orchestra championed his work throughout the 1950s and 1960s, recording many of his pieces. His style blends accessible melodies, clever instrumental colors, and humor—qualities that make his music ideal for introducing young orchestras to the concert music tradition.

Show moreShow less

Why we love this

Anderson's orchestration is transparent and playful, making this arrangement perfect for demonstrating balance and clarity at Grade 2.5. The piece arrives with instant appeal—students recognize the whimsy immediately and play with engagement rather than resistance, and your audience will smile from the opening phrase.

What to expect

A gentle, witty musical moment—imagine a cat moving with deliberate grace across a ballroom, treating the dance as both serious and absurd. The melodies are warm and singable, the harmonic language is clear, and the overall mood is one of sophisticated playfulness without pretension.

Who it's for

String orchestras in grades 6-9 looking for accessible, engaging repertoire that teaches musicianship without overwhelming difficulty. This piece works equally well for beginning to intermediate ensembles and showcases what good orchestration can do at a modest technical level.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the main melody with gentle phrase breathing; let the tune breathe naturally rather than pushing through every bar.
Balance the pizzicato accompaniment so it supports but never drowns the melody line.
Lift slightly at phrase endings to maintain lightness and prevent the piece from settling.
Keep the tempo steady and conversational; this music speaks in a clear, unrushed voice.

How to use it

Program this early in a concert to establish an approachable, confident tone before moving into more substantial works. It pairs beautifully with other light classical selections or serves as a standalone piece that demonstrates your orchestra's range beyond standard classical repertoire.