Question: I am wondering how you grade your string orchestra music.

What
skills are you looking for in a level 1 and level 2 piece of music written for
string orchestra?

Answer: The publishing industry does not have a standard grading system.
Each publisher seems to have their own criteria for grading a price and the
job is often a difficult one-lots of gray areas. I have also learned that grading
systems created for various state festival/contest lists vary from state to
state. What might a grade 2 in one state could be a grade 1 in another. I
think most educators are fairly flexible when searching for new musicknowing full well that they need to look in more than one category to find
music suitable for their groups. On the other hand, I also understand that
directors must often follow specific criteria when preparing to enter festivals
and poorly or inconsistently graded music could be problematic for them.

Grade 1 compositions are generally no longer than two minutes. They are
most often written in the keys of D or G Major. Simple rhythm patterns
utilizing eighth notes, quarter notes, half notes, dotted half notes, and whole
notes are often featured. Rhythm patters including rests are okay, but
simplicity is important. 4/4 or 3/4 time is most often used in grade 1 works.
Dynamics are no more elaborate than forte and piano. 3-part writing is
generally found where Cellos and Basses share similar lines. 2nd Violins and
Violas also share similar material too. All parts should remain in 1st position.
These days, we see some bass parts in upper positions-it depends on the
philosophy/pedagogy. But the preference is to stay in a traditional 1st or low
position. Tempo is also a factor. Usually one tempo is selected for the entire
piece and ritards/accelerandos, etc. are not seen. Slow (as in Adagio or
Largo) compositions should be avoided for a number of reasons. The use of
pizzicato is good and can be an easy and fun way to create different timbre
choices. It's important, though to provide ample time for students to switch
from arco to pizz to arco. Bowings must be simple. Staying with martele,
marcato, legato is good. Slurring in groups of two is okay.

Grade 2 pieces feature what grade 1 pieces do except grade 2 pieces go the
next step. Grade 2 music can extend to maybe about 3 minutes, depending
on the nature of the work. C Major is a good and sometimes I will accept
pieces in F Major into my grade 2 category. It depends on a variety of other
factors. Working with minor keys or modes is a possibility-again this hits a
gray area and depends on other compositional elements. Multiple keys can
be featured, depending on the structure of the work, Rhythm patters
become a bit more complex and can include dotted quarter/eighth note
patterns but I watch carefully for this. 2/4 time is fine and 6/8 writing is ok,
but doubling of parts like indicated in the Grade 1 category is still important.
We do begin to see some separation of the cello and bass parts, especially
because it's nice to have the cello section featured with melodic material. I
recommend that position work for all sections of the orchestra follow the
grade 1 criteria. Tempo ranges can be extended, and in fact if the structure

of the work calls for it, several tempos can be featured. Ritards especially at
the end are fine. More choices in bowings and articulations are available,
too.

Like I have mentioned, the gray areas offer the biggest challenges when
grading a composition. Sometimes, I will add a 1/2 to a grade, making a
piece a grade 1 1/2. That should send out a flag (of sorts) indicating that
there are certain elements that make the section a tad more challenging,
yet not quite difficult enough to make it a grade 2.

I hope this offers some basic assistance for you. Good luck with all your
musical endeavors.