Two Bits: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Lloyd Conley
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00338602
$40.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Two Bits - Conductor Score (Full Score) | $6.00 | |
| Two Bits - Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| Two Bits - Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| Two Bits - Viola | $7.00 | |
| Two Bits - Cello | $7.00 | |
| Two Bits - String Bass | $7.00 | |
| Two Bits - Piano | $7.00 | |
| Two Bits - Percussion | $7.00 |
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Description
A clever learning piece, Lloyd's quarter-note base tips its hat to the slang expression that denotes an American quarter coin. For added fun, the orchestra can choose the optional vocal ending..."shave and a haircut, two bits!"
Dur: 1:45
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00338602
More about this title
About the Composer: Lloyd Conley
Lloyd Conley has built a reputation for writing accessible orchestral music that engages young musicians without sacrificing musical substance. His compositions frequently blend humor, cultural references, and solid pedagogical design, making them favorites in school orchestra programs across the country.
Why we love this
Conley's use of a quarter-note ostinato as both a structural anchor and a witty musical pun gives this piece immediate character. The optional vocal ending transforms it from a clever concert piece into a moment of genuine ensemble joy, and at under two minutes, it hits hard without asking much rehearsal time.
What to expect
Crisp and deliberate, with a walking-bass sensibility that feels both classic and playful. The quarter notes create momentum that propels the piece forward, while the melody sits on top like a knowing smile.
Who it's for
Grade 2 string orchestras looking for a concert opener or closer that combines musicality with humor. Young musicians respond well to pieces that have an inside joke, and this one teaches them that wit and craft belong together.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the quarter-note pulse absolutely steady in the lower strings; this is the musical joke, and it only lands if the foundation never wavers.
- Bring out the melodic contours in the upper voices so listeners hear the playfulness alongside the rhythmic foundation.
- If you choose the vocal ending, rehearse the "shave and a haircut, two bits" section separately from the instrumental body so the performers feel secure dropping into it at the final moment.
How to use it
Perfect as an opening number to set an energetic, lighthearted tone for a concert, or as a finale if you want your audience leaving with a laugh. It pairs naturally with more serious repertoire by giving your program shape and variety.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining steady quarter-note pulse under changing melodic material
- Playing with rhythmic independence between sections
- Ensemble cohesion at a moderate tempo
- Text-setting and diction (if performing the vocal ending)
- Understanding musical humor and character through rhythmic convention