Kendor Music Inc. Under the Big Tent - Arnett - String Orchestra - Gr. 3

Composer: Matt Arnett
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: String Orchestra
Grade: 3

Bring the magic of the circus to the stage for your String Orchestra's next performance! This fun, high-energy piece provides great opportunities to practice dynamic contrast for extra impact.

Program Notes
Step right up! "Under the Big Tent" is inspired by the energy and drama of a circus. I picture the dramatic dynamic changes at the beginning as the playful antics of a Clown, the swooping melody at M.19 as a trapeze artist, and the low melody at M.34 as the stomping feet of exotic animals, all leading up to the grand finale.

The piece switches between C natural and C# constantly. Pay close attention to the accidentals and remember to go back to C natural at the end of the measure! For the rapid-fire thirds in the main melody (e.g., M.3, M.28), I recommend leaving the first finger on the A String, but keeping the second finger off entirely (and third fingers for Cellos) to make the passage easier to play. Keep your fingers close to the strings as you switch back and forth, and you'll be much more likely to play in tune!

Much of the energy of the piece comes from the dynamics. Draw your audience in close with soft pizzicatos at M.51, then explode with sound from M.57 to the end! The greater a difference you can make, the more impactful your performance will be. Good luck, and have fun!