String Orchestra Introduction
As a result of the years of successfully composing creative new music for a wide variety of string ensembles, Salt Cellar Creations has a broad knowledge of what it takes to compose and arrange for String Orchestras and our growing catalog of music reflects that expertise. Most of the pieces are Original Compositions; some are written for four parts and some for five, whether for high school, homeschool, college, or community string orchestras.
Although playing familiar pieces is more comfortable for many conductors and band musicians, it is important that String Orchestras try new music, whether an original composition or a new arrangement of an old song.
Playing new and original music helps to foster a sense of adventure in the world of music. Also, performing new and original music challenges musicians to explore unfamiliar musical territory, enhancing their skills and pushing them beyond their comfort zones. Engaging in the creation and performance of original music also can be seen as a reflection of God's gift of creativity.
You probably have a few questions about Salt Cellar’s String Orchestra music. Let’s answer some of them here:
- – What if the music you offer doesn’t have the instrumentation that I need?
- – Just contact us and we’ll get the extra instrument parts that you need. Generally, that service is free. There may be a small fee if a totally new part would need to be written.
A. – Again, contact us and it’s no problem to change keys for the whole piece. That service is also free. Remember that Salt Cellar has researched the best keys for String Orchestras and has matched the key used in the music to the target skill level of the piece.
Q. – Does it cost anything to make a suggestion of a piece of music for you to arrange.
A. – NO! PLEASE make suggestions. It’s difficult to guess what string orchestra directors are looking for. You may make other suggestions as to its instrumentation and style. Otherwise, I will let my imagination run rampant.
Q. – Can you compose a special piece just for my string orchestra?
A. – We can do that in one of two ways.
- The first way is for us to do a truly commissioned piece. It will be composed with your string orchestra as its target skill level, with the type of music you’re looking for, and, most importantly, your string orchestra will be the only one to be able to play it; it will not be for sale to any other group. The cost for this can range from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the length of the piece and its complexity.
- The second way is much more affordable. We can write a piece with your string orchestra and your style generally in mind. We call this a suggested piece. We can offer it to you first and then wait an agreed upon length of time before we offer it for sale, so that you will be the only one to play it for a certain competition or exposition. Then, we will offer it for sale like any other piece of music. The cost will only be a little more than three times the regular String Orchestra music price. That way, I can help you get a sound more like you prefer, rather than my own ideas, at a cost that you can afford. The regular cost is between $25 and $45, so a suggested piece would be about $75 - $150.
A. – There’s an old saying, “Good ain’t cheap and cheap ain’t good.” Again, the answer depends on the length of the piece and its complexity. It can take from six to eighteen months from the initiation of the work until the music has been completed and is ready to be given to the musicians to prepare for performance.
Go to the String Orchestra Main Page to see our growing catalog.