Themes from Farandole: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

This arrangement brings a beloved classical suite within reach of younger orchestras without sacrificing musical substance or excitement. The inclusion of "The March of the Kings" carol gives you natural programming flexibility across the concert calendar, while Douglas E. Wagner's orchestration proves that Grade 1.5 writing can still sound polished and engaging when the hand of an experienced arranger is at work.

Bright, festive, and genuinely joyful, with the kind of memorable melody that sticks with audiences long after the concert ends. The Provençal character of the Farandole gives the piece a warm, dance-like quality, while the inclusion of the Christmas carol adds a sing-song charm that feels both celebratory and intimate.

This score and parts set is built for string orchestras at the beginning level, particularly directors working with middle school ensembles or less experienced high school groups. If your students read treble and bass clef fluently and can manage basic bowings with reasonable consistency, this arrangement will feel accessible and rewarding.

• Balance the main melody across your first violins and violas in the opening section; these voices carry the core of the tune, and clarity there will anchor the whole ensemble.
• Shape the phrases with gentle dynamic swells rather than abrupt changes, letting the carol melody breathe naturally as your students play.
• Attend carefully to the bowings provided; they're designed to sit comfortably under young hands and also to create the articulation that gives this piece its professional sound.
• Give the rhythm section (cellos and basses) a chance to play through the bass line independently during rehearsal so the harmonic foundation sits solidly before adding the melodic layers.

Open a winter concert or pops program with this piece to establish a festive mood immediately, or close a holiday performance on a note of brightness and good cheer. It also works beautifully as a festival or competition opener, since the strong melodic content and professional sound make an immediate impression on adjudicators and audiences alike.

• Sustained bow control and phrase shaping on simple melodies
• Reading and executing indicated bowings that enhance articulation and tone
• Balancing melody and accompaniment across the string section
• Maintaining ensemble unity while navigating moderate tempo and dynamic changes
• Understanding how arrangement and orchestration can honor a classical theme while adapting it for younger players