Dark Waters

October is an intermediate new age piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The constantly moving triplet figures in both hands are meant to evoke the swirling motion of colorful autumn leaves blowing about in the breeze. Rather than centering on a traditional melodic line, October allows students to create a mood or effect by experimenting with dynamic inflection and rubato to vary each performance. Dynamic indications in the score are merely suggestions – performers are meant to make this free-flowing piece their own.

Falling Leaves is an intermediate level lyrical contemporary solo that is part of the Shades of You and Impressions songbooks. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Fading into Twilight is a mysterious, minor key, contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Part of the Dreamweaver songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Misty Morning is a Satie-esque, reflective solo composed by Jennifer Eklund. Ideal for early intermediates of all ages, this piece offers a great opportunity to introduce students to the concept of rubato. This piece is part of the Shades of You songbook.

Once Upon a Time is a whimsically macabre solo composed by Stacy Fahrion that is part of the songbook of the same title. This eerie showcase piece is ideal for early intermediates and beyond.

The Exquisite Melancholy of Everything Left Unuttered is a delicate waltz in E minor for two composed by Stacy Fahrion.

Ruby Skies is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo, for intermediates and beyond, composed by Jennifer Eklund. This solo makes for a lovely recital selection or as music in church services. This piece is part of the “Sounds of the Spirit” songbook.

Something on the Slide is a Satie-esque waltz composed by British composer Joanne Grifiths. The accompaniment is built on two positions, C and G, with octave leaps from the bass to the chord. Awareness of balance between the hands is needed for this, to bring out the melody.

Lullaby is a contemporary lyrical solo ideal for intermediates that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Lamentations is suite of solos composed by Joanne Griffiths for intermediate players to explore time signature changes, comparisons between simple and compound time, minimalism, and mostly how to express mood and emotion. Breathe is a peaceful, calming minimalist piece pushing the boundaries of 3/4 time and crossing it with more than a suggestion of 6/8. For Carolyn is an uplifting piece with lilting, contrasting themes, in Rondo form. Finally, Sorrow is an expression of grief, with a “bell tolling” theme throughout. It is also minimalist, centered around A minor and changing from 3 to 4 beats in the bar and covering several octaves of the piano.

Regrets, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediatelevel solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It features a melody in light jazz style featuring some parallel seventh chords, often in stepwise motion. Its sophisticated sound will also appeal to teens and adults. This piece is part of the Kaleidoscope Volume 2 songbook.

Trillium is a graceful lyrical solo composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien. This elegant waltz is ideal for intermediates.

Into the Night, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level ambient solo that would be suitable for the Halloween season for students looking for a mature selection. This piece is part of the Souvenirs songbook.

Chopin’s iconic Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55, No. 1, remixed in a modern lyrical spin by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow abridged version is ideal for intermediate level pianists.

The Exquisite Melancholy of Everything Left Unuttered is a delicate waltz in E minor composed by Stacy Fahrion. There is an optional cut notated in the score to accommodate students at a lower intermediate level.

Spooky Ooky! composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo. Its staccato, jaunty rhythms, and sudden dynamic shifts make it an excellent spooky Halloween solo.

Interlude, by Rick Robertson, is a peaceful and pensive minor-key solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Souvenirs songbook.

Day’s End, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level ambient, light jazz solo with a mature" sound. This piece will appeal to teens and adults as well.