Yumiweeus: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

$62.00 USD

Yumiweeus: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Yumiweeus: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-46714
Price: 62.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Richard Meyer

Grade: 4

Item: 00-46714

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This joyful and jubilant piece by Richard Meyer has the sound of a celebration and a title that describes how music unites us all: "Yumiweeus." Hand drumming and a simple chant-like melody start the festivities, followed by an original theme and a set of six variations. Duets featuring the first stand players of every section introduce the first five variations, and a virtuosic final variation closes the piece. The changing meters and variety of key signatures and modes included here are sure to challenge all of your more advanced players. The measure of contrary motion that starts the piece is heard again between each variation and is meant to represent a "coming together to common ground."

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Series: Highland/Etling String Orchestra

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 124

UPC: 038081537030

SKU: 00-46714

More about this title

About the Composer: Richard Meyer

Richard Meyer spent 35 years teaching strings across elementary, middle, and high school levels in public school settings. During 22 of those years, he directed orchestras at Oak Avenue Intermediate School in Temple City, California, transforming the program from 29 students to 200 while simultaneously overseeing the district's elementary string curriculum. He conducted the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra for 16 years, leading the ensemble to performances across New York, Washington D.C., Vienna, Australia, and Canada.

Beyond his classroom work, Meyer has established himself as a nationally recognized composer with over 190 published compositions and arrangements. He served as string editor for Alfred Publishing Company for 16 years and co-authored the String Explorer Series and Sight-read It for Strings. In 2009, he launched the "Giving Bach" program at his school, an initiative that gained national recognition for using interactive concerts to engage special needs and underserved student populations throughout Southern California. Meyer regularly appears as a guest conductor and clinician at major conferences including the A.S.T.A. National Conference, Texas Orchestra Directors' Association Conference, and string workshops at Ohio State University and other institutions.

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Why we love this

Meyer constructs a sophisticated narrative arc within an accessible Grade 4 framework. The central device of contrary motion "coming together to common ground" gives directors a tangible musical metaphor to rehearse, while the duet introductions for first-stand players across all sections provide recognition and individual spotlight opportunities that students genuinely value.

What to expect

The opening hand drumming and chant establish a celebratory, almost ceremonial atmosphere. Energy builds through six variations that explore contrasting moods and textures, with the virtuosic final variation delivering a satisfying, exuberant close that leaves the audience energized.

Who it's for

Advanced Grade 4 orchestras ready to tackle mixed meters, changing key signatures, and modal writing. This piece suits ensembles with strong section leaders capable of carrying duet passages and orchestras that have developed secure intonation and rhythmic independence across all parts.

How to get the most out of it

Have your section leaders master the duets before full-ensemble rehearsals begin; their confident execution sets the standard for intonation and style that follows.
Establish the hand drumming texture early and lock it in completely before layering the chant melody; this foundation supports everything that follows.
Spend dedicated time on the contrary motion passages (at the opening and between variations) to clarify the balance required when lines move in opposite directions.
Use the key and mode changes between variations as coaching moments to discuss how Meyer shifts the emotional landscape while maintaining thematic coherence.

How to use it

Program this as a concert closer or festival showcase piece that demonstrates technical growth and musical sophistication. The celebratory character and accessible thematic material make it ideal for festival competitions, while the pedagogical richness supports extensive rehearsal time that strengthens fundamentals across your entire ensemble.