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Two German Folk Songs: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

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Two German Folk Songs Cover Image

Two German Folk Songs: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

"Lightly Row" and "Song of the Wind" on the D and A Strings

Traditional / arr. Bob Phillips

Grade: 0.5

Item: 00-49049

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Description
A sparkling gem for a first concert or a mixed-instrument group lesson, this piece will be fun to play and features an exciting ending. Combining two commonly taught folk songs, "Lightly Row" and "Song of the Wind," this delightful medley, Two German Folk Songs by Bob Phillips, uses only the D string and the A string within the D major scale. Parts lie well on every instrument. The second violin and viola parts are doubled. Bass and cello are often in unison. Throughout the piece, all sections are often in rhythmic unison. This piece provides the perfect setting to reinforce detaché, staccato, and pizzicato. This one will go together well! (2:10) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Two German Folk Songs: 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: Sound Innovations for String Orchestra
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 53
ISBN10: 1-4706-4560-2
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-4560-1
UPC: 038081564104
SKU: 00-49049

More about this title

About the Arranger: Bob Phillips

Bob Phillips

Bob Phillips (b. 1953) stands at the forefront of string pedagogy as a composer, arranger, and conductor whose work has shaped how thousands of young musicians learn their instruments. Over nearly three decades in Saline, Michigan, he built a string program exceeding 700 students while authoring more than 25 book series and 200 published works for orchestra and band. His innovative approach to large-group teaching and eclectic styles—from jazz and rock to mariachi and folk—earned him recognition as an ASCAP award-winning composer whose pieces appear regularly on Midwest Clinic programs.

Phillips founded the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, a folk-fiddling ensemble that grew to international prominence under his direction, performing upwards of 80 shows annually and appearing at the White House multiple times. He has conducted all-state orchestras across the country, served as resident conductor and arranger for Seattle's Wintergrass Festival for 12 years, and created instructional DVDs used by thousands of teachers. The Sound Innovations series, which spans all six levels, represents his commitment to making ensemble string music accessible, engaging, and pedagogically sound.

Why we love this

This medley captures the essence of what early string orchestras need: music that feels effortless to learn yet satisfying to perform. By anchoring both folk songs to D major and using only D and A strings, Phillips removes technical barriers while keeping the musical payoff high. The built-in reinforcement of detaché, staccato, and pizzicato transforms technical work into something students enjoy rather than endure.

What to expect

Bright and intentional, this medley combines the gentle lilt of "Lightly Row" with the flowing motion of "Song of the Wind" in a way that feels natural rather than pasted together. The sparkling articulation work and the exciting final moments create a performance that leaves audiences smiling and students proud.

Who it's for

This arrangement is ideal for beginning string orchestras ready to program their first formal concert or for mixed-instrument group lessons where reading and intonation are still developing. The well-laid parts and doubled second violin and viola lines ensure every student finds accessible material without feeling unchallenged.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the melody evenly across all parts during rhythmic unison sections; this teaches listening and blend rather than letting stronger voices dominate.
  • Isolate the pizzicato passages in sectional rehearsals to establish clean attacks and releases before putting them into full context.
  • Work the exciting ending separately once tempo and rhythm are secure; the energy lift here rewards all the careful foundational work.

How to use it

Use this as a concert opener to settle nervous performers into their first public appearance, or pair it with one contrasting work of similar difficulty to demonstrate range within early repertoire. Its 2-minute-10-second duration fits comfortably into school assemblies, holiday concerts, or spring recitals.

Skills your students will build

  • Detaché, staccato, and pizzicato articulation in a single piece
  • Playing in D major using limited string positions (D and A strings only)
  • Rhythmic unison between sections to develop listening and balance
  • Reading simple melody and accompanying parts appropriate to beginner level

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