One thing I always wish for at the start of each school year is more VERY EASY beginning orchestra music for our first concert. Our first concert is always at the end of October. By that time, students are just solidifying note reading on the D string (perhaps some A string notes as well). They have learned the standard rep all beginners have learned...Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle, etc....but those tunes are so short (thought we often do perform those at our concert...there's time for them to perform everything they have learned!) I also want them to learn a more substantial piece for their first concert. At that time in their development, grade 1 music is too difficult. I need music that is quick teach and enforces skills they have learned in their first couple of months.
Here are a couple of pieces I just finished:
1. The Champion (click title to view on TPT)
This piece uses only 5 notes: D, E, F#, G, and A. The rhythms are simple. Learning this piece will help reinforce note reading on the D string. Dynamics were omitted on purpose. You can use this piece to teach dynamics! Let students decide when they would like to play soft or loud in order to 'tell a story.' Notes on the page are slightly enlarged to help with note reading. Score are parts for violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Here's the audio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c_bUYQnzxeBxmLGlCVQD-Y7gXljfCU7t/view?usp=drive_link
2. Night Quest (click title to view on TPT)
This piece uses only 6 notes: D, E, F#, G, A, and B. It's quick for beginners to learn because of the repeating phrases between the violin/viola and cello/bass part. Students and learn similar sections in unison, then put it all together. Score are parts for violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Here's the audio file: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d14ImMYZ_KebR7hDXDq8nQNdJ4yHCHwI/view?usp=sharing
