Original rock compositions to teach and engage.
Rock, Paper, Scissors
Caryn Wiegand Neidhold
Grade 1.5
String Orchestra - Randall Standridge Music
It's the fun game everybody knows – let's play! This upbeat piece gets its rock 'n' roll rhythm from the syllables of the title, and the optional drum set adds a dance party beat. Set in joyful D major, easy accidentals create interesting harmonies while avoiding awkward finger patterns on the D and G strings. An exuberant celebration to start or end your concert!
Purchase from your favorite retailers:

Rock the City
​JW Pepper Editor's Choice
Caryn Wiegand Neidhold
Grade 1
String Orchestra - Randall Standridge Music

Engage even your youngest players with this awesome rock tune using the notes of the D scale. Fun and approachable, it features contemporary harmonies, layered rhythms, and catchy melodies. Second violins and violas get a chance to clap to the beat, while optional piano and drum set uplift this driving rock anthem.
Purchase from your favorite retailers:

Zephyr
JW Pepper Directors' Vote Winner 2023-24
​JW Pepper Editor's Choice
Caryn Wiegand Neidhold
Grade 4
String Orchestra - Randall Standridge Music

Zephyr is driving rock from beginning to end! Students will love the melodies, syncopations, glissandi, and energetic rhythms. Written specifically for string orchestra, students will sound beyond cool, rad, and awesome performing this showpiece. Rock on!
Purchase from your favorite retailers:

ECLIPSE
​JW Pepper Editor's Choice
Caryn Wiegand Neidhold
Grade 1.5
String Orchestra - Carl Fischer

This easy-to-learn rock-style tune will energize your orchestra and introduce improvisation in a fun setting! With a flexible score including optional violin 2, piano, and drum set, your students can achieve a big, impressive sound. The improv section includes a notated solo option in every part, or students can improv while the rest of the orchestra vamps in the background.
Purchase from your favorite retailers:

GALAXY JAM
​JW Pepper Editor's Choice & Stanton's 5-Star Feature
​ASTA Eclectic Styles Reading Session
Caryn Wiegand Neidhold
Grade 1.5
String Orchestra - Excelcia Music

Jam among the stars with Galaxy Jam, an inventive rock take on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in E minor. The jam section encourages your students to be creative with instrument percussion improv and solos with suggested notes.
Purchase from your favorite retailers:

BRAVE FIRES 
JW Peppers Editor's Choice &
2021 Director's Choice Honorable Mention
Stanton's 5-Star Feature
Caryn Wiegand Neidhold
GRADE 1.5
String Orchestra - Excelcia Music

Rock your orchestra with Brave Fires.  An easy, infectious bass line with cool dissonances in the upper strings ushers in this rock tune that gives every section a chance to shine. Young students will get to play marcato and legato bow strokes and the optional piano and drum parts mean your students will be fired up and rock out.

Brave Fires honors the families impacted by devastating forest fires in Northern Nevada and Northern California and recognizes Wildland Firefighters’ and their support staff’s heroic work. Music can bring healing, and Brave Fires reaches out with energy and strength.
Purchase from your favorite retailers:
ROCKIN' OL' ST. NICK 
JW Pepper Editor's Choice &
Stanton's 5-Star Feature
Caryn Wiegand Neidhold
​GRADE 1
String Orchestra
​Have some toe-tapping fun with this rocking arrangement of Jolly Old St. Nicholas for Young String Orchestra. All sections get to play the melody, and students have the opportunity to practice easy chromatic finger patterns with foot stomps, finger snaps, and bass spins for extra entertainment. Optional piano and drum set parts add rhythmic support and festive spirit for a rockin' holiday concert!
Purchase from your favorite retailers:
Photo from |M| Фотомистецтво