Ensembles
String Groove Ensembles are for string students, teachers and professionals who would like to add new (alternative styles) material to their repertoire). Improvisation sections are included in many of the pieces, however, they can also be performed without improvisation. All of the ensembles are available for String Orchestra or String Quartet.
1. "Irish Whiskey" is an Irish jig written for a string quartet. It also sounds wonderful as a string ensemble. It can be performed with or without improvisation. “Irish Whiskey” is for advanced middle-school, high school, or professionals who want to add an Irish Jig to their repertoire. First violins briefly reach fifth position. Grade Level 3.5
Look at score.
Listen to the Third Coast String Quartet perform "Irish Whiskey" [MP3].
2. "The Heartland Breakdown" is a Country Fiddle Hoe-Down for string quartet or string ensemble. This piece can be performed with improvisation or without. After the themes are stated, each player can play the solo provided in the part, or improvise their own solo. “The Heartland Breakdown” is for advanced middle-school, high school, or professionals who want to add some fiddling to their repertoire. First violins briefly reach fifth position. Grade Level 3.5
Watch the Vernon Hills High School Jazz Strings with Edgar Gabriel under the direction of Fran Fatta, perform "The Heartland Breakdown" on You Tube.
3. "Moderato Allegro" is a Third Stream rock string orchestra ensemble. The technical requirements warrant a high school to conservatory students and professionals. "Moderato Allegro" can be played with improvisation or without. The first violin requires sixth position. Grade Level 4
Look at score [PDF].
Watch the Vernon Hills High School Jazz Strings with Edgar Gabriel under the direction of Fran Fatta, perform “Moderato Allegro”on You Tube.
4. "Brother Ray" is a 16 Bar Blues. It is inspired by Ray Charles, whom Edgar Gabriel had the honor to work with in the 1990’s. The piece was originally written for String Quartet. When performing with a string ensemble, double stops are not necessary and the parts can be divided. Improvisation is required for this piece. Grade 3
Watch Lincoln High School Orchestra with Edgar Gabriel under the direction of Monica Hrudik and Joan Geraldson perform "Brother Ray" on You Tube.
5. "Blue Bows" is an ensemble arrangement for String Orchestra or String Quartet of a Jazz Blues in the book “String Groove, Ideas For Improvising.” The piece requires jazz swing blues improvisation in G. Grade 2.5
Watch Lincoln High School Orchestra with Edgar Gabriel under the direction of Monica Hrudik and Joan Geraldson perform “Blue Bows” on You Tube.
6. "The Blarney Stone" is another is another ensemble arrangement for String Orchestra or String Quartet of a song in the book “String Groove, Ideas For Improvising.” This is an easy jig that kids love. It can be played with or without improvisation.
7. "Canon and Chorus" is a classical canon in the style of Pachelbel. Edgar Gabriel wrote the piece for his wedding ceremony. Available for String quartet or String Ensemble. Grade Level 3
Listen to The Edgar Gabriel String Quartet Perform “Canon and Chorus.”
8. "Fiddle Twinkle" is country fiddle variations of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in the key of D. This string quartet or ensemble piece is designed for students at the beginner level to play a piece they know with students at higher levels in a fiddle style. Grade level 1-2
9. "Besame Mucho" is a violin piano arrangement of written for the concert violinist or accomplished student who would like to add a wonderful popular Latin song to their repertoire. The violin part carries the melody embellished with double stops, left hand pizzicato and other extended techniques. The written piano score provides a rhumba rhythm to accompany and enhance violin part. A short solo is also written into the piano part. For convenience, the chord changes are provided in the piano score.
All of the ensemble pieces are available as hard copy or digital download for a reduced price. Please proceed to the Edgar Gabriel Inc. Store for prices and to place orders. Upon request, a link to a private website: “String Groove Tools” will be made available to you. “String Groove Tools” includes more recordings and mp3’s to practice improvisation for the ensembles.