https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAqZN0iKC2EBAK0FvnSuXPg

      These arrangements came out of my work with group class in the Toledo Symphony School of Music Suzuki Program.

 

      Periodically, we combine classes of different levels. The usual performance approach is to play through the Suzuki repertoire. When the younger students have not learned the next pieces, they sit down and listen to the more advanced students perform. I thought the students would both enjoy and learn from playing together in ensemble, with each playing parts within his/her technical grasp.

 

      Since note reading and ensemble playing pose additional challenges, I have made the parts, especially for the Pre-Twinkle and early Book 1 students, quite basic, primarily using open strings. These parts are specifically designed to be learned by rote. The more advanced parts are for students with basic note-reading skills, but could also be taught by rote.

 

      These arrangements were originally made for violin ensemble. They can be played just by violins, as well as full string ensemble. There are five violin parts:  Advanced Violin, Violin I, Violin II, Violin Book I (Suzuki), and Twinkle Violin. The Advanced Violin part requires familiarity of third position and is optional, depending upon the level of students available. A piano part has been added for practice purposes and is optional in performance. Texts have been included to aid in the learning of rhythms, sometimes adapted from the music and sometimes created by the arranger.

 

      I hope these arrangements fill a gap in available repertoire for mixed-level school and Suzuki groups. I have found them successful in my own teaching. I have chosen quality repertoire as I feel it improves the student's musicianship at all levels when the repertoire offers musical challenges.

 

      I hope you and your students will enjoy these arrangements.