On Jordan’s Stormy Banks

On Jordan’s Stormy Banks, the American hymn tune, PROMISED LAND, dates back to the early 1800’s. It is originally found in a hymnal that was used in the singing schools that were prevalent throughout the southern United States. This arrangement has a fiddle-tune like flavor and uses some open string double stops in an opening motif, hinting at its roots in the folk song tradition. The melody part is can be played in first position entirely. Your players are sure to have fun with the double-stops, finger slides, sounded glissandos and rhythmic patterns that are sure to have you tapping your toe.Also included are the words to the hymn, so that players who may not know the lyrics can learn them.

The Flex Orchestra Series arrangement I Know Whom I Have Believed can flex with any stringed instrument combination. These arrangements were born from a desire to have string players at different levels play together. These arrangements have a melody part in each instrument’s clef. The melody part is the same in all the instruments. There are some variations in octaves. Each instrument also has an ensemble part. Unlike the melody parts, the ensemble part is unique to the specific instrument. The piano accompaniment is the “glue” that holds it together. You can play this arrangement of On Jordan’s Stormy Banks as a string solo with piano accompaniment. Or you can create any combination of instruments. Just be sure you have the piano accompaniment. You can also have a variety of  instruments play the melody part. Then, add harmony with any of the other instruments on their ensemble part.

The melody part is the easiest part. So they are perfect for beginners. The ensemble parts are more challenging, including shifting and more string crossings. So by having this flexibility, it allows beginners to play the melody part, and intermediate players to play the harmony/ensemble part. Now all levels of string players to play together any combination. The Flex Orchestra Series is sure to be loved by your string players.