Grade 1 - 3'10" & 1'25" Youtube: https://youtu.be/Xa0rY8eVXHY

Psalm 46 vs 10 says “Be still and know that I am God.” Whether you subscribe to a Biblical worldview or not, there are times in life when stillness is required, and we just need to settle and find some inner peace. This work embodies stillness, with long, slow bows and haunting harmonies. C major is not a common key for beginner pieces, but careful note selection and rich chord choices remove the challenges of new fingering patterns while maintaining the serenity and calm. A sonorous viola melody in the middle section encourages deep tone production, joined by the 2nd violins and complemented by delicate pizzicato in the cellos & basses, while the 1st violins hold a light upper harmony. Dynamics are of ultimate importance, and students who are experimenting with or developing vibrato will have ample opportunity to practice their new skill.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!”, from Philippians 4 vs 4 - again, whether or not you hold this source to be yours, there are things in life that are truly worth celebrating! A fun & energetic piece, Rejoice! combines rhythmic unison and a bright, happy key to create an atmosphere of celebration, again aided by rich harmonies and a strong bass line. Students will have great opportunity to consolidate their rhythmic & dynamic ensemble skills, and everyone should walk out with a smile on their face!

Hard copy: https://tinyurl.com/guiding-lights-print