Marimba Mojo Publications
To Bach And Beyond
Grades 4–8
Learning the classics just got a whole lot more enjoyable! Teachers and students will have a blast with “To Bach and Beyond,” written by master music educator Doug Edwards.
The musical arrangements are challenging but playable by upper-level elementary-age students. Lesson suggestions guide the instruction while invitations to adapt the material demonstrate Doug’s understanding of the classroom and elementary ensembles.
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1. Beethoven's Funky FifthBeethoven's Fifth Symphony has been transformed into, well, listen and you'll see.
- 2. William Tell Overture
The Lone Ranger rides again! This piece is a favorite at festivals and conferences. It's a blast to work up as a grand finale to your programs.
(youtube link)- performance
youtube link - teaching demonstration video 1, video 2, video 3
- 3. Minuet
Here is a jazzy rendition of one of Bach's favorite keyboard pieces.
- 4. Fur Elise Samba
Seems like every piano recital wouldn't be complete without the playing of Beethoven's Fur Elise. Here is a refreshing rendition of the tune that even includes a percussion break.
- 5. Russian Dance
A fast and furious piece from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet. A great closer to your Christmas programs!
- 6. The Wild Horseman
This piece by Schumann is arranged in two parts with a traditional rendering of Section A and a jazzy minor Section B that lends itself to improvisational solos. A great piece to let your students creativity flourish.
- 7. Hallelujah Chorus Primer
This introductory piece can be performed as is or used as a primer to the full version that follows.
- 8. Hallelujah Chorus
This significant piece by Handel is rendered for marimba in a traditional way (Don't mess with Handel). Enjoy!
youtube link2 - another rendition
- 9. The Can-Can
Offenbach, though somewhat of an unknown composer when compared to Beethoven and Mozart, wrote a golden hit with this piece. It is his most well-known work and now here it is for marimba ensemble.
- 10. Rondo Alla Turca
Here is a straight forward rendition of this piece by Mozart, enjoy!
- 11. Surprise Symphony
This is a common piece to use in music education to serve as an example of music by Haydn and the use of dynamics. Students are usually asked to listen for the "surprise." Now students will "surprise" their audiences themselves as they play it on marimbas.