Melancholy Polly (Keith Sharp) for String Orchestra

This is a sorrowful tune, shaped a little after the style of Eastern European folk song. It’s setting with piano accompaniment gives rehearsal and performance options including unison melody or melody with mix-and-match harmony and bass lines. Grade 1.5 (Primary B).

About the Piece

Polly is a sulfur-crested white cockatoo who has the dreaded beak rot and feather disease. She is a balding, scraggy-looking bird. None of her friends will come near for fear of catching Pollys contagious illness. Polly feels lonely and dejected. This is a sorrowful tune, shaped a little after the style of Eastern European folk song. Its setting with piano accompaniment gives rehearsal and performance options including unison melody or melody with mix-and-match harmony and bass lines. The score provides a wonderful opportunity for groups of string students to explore sentimental phrasing and tonal connection with the instrument at an elementary stage. A haunting yet simple melody which will remain in the ears of audience and students long after the concert.

Duration 2:06 appox. Key – E Natural minor.

About the Composer

Keith Sharp has been string educator in The Gap regional state schools of Brisbane, Australia since 1985. Keith commenced teaching at Brisbane State High School in 2012, where his program focuses on ensemble and group tuition. He enjoys writing imaginative and appealing pieces for string students, many of which are now performed by young players around the world. A selection of the composers works is published in the US by The FJH Music Company and Alfreds. Consistently, these educational ensemble pieces have been highlighted as Editors Choice in the J.W. Pepper Orchestral Music Catalog. Keith holds a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma of Further Education. He is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. In 2006 received a Ryan Recognition Award and in 2013 a Can Do Educator of the Year award acknowledging his contribution to music education in the region. Keith is a past President and committee member of AUSTA Queensland, and in 2012 was recognised by AUSTA with a State Award. He regularly appears at schools, music camps and workshops as a guest clinician/composer, teacher and conductor. Keith is co-author of the popular beginner series, Encore On Strings – Music Maestros.