AUSTA VIC Reading Day 2026

Our 2026 Reading Day was a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and explore a wide range of repertoire for string players and ensembles. It was fantastic to see such strong attendance (including five double basses!), with teachers sharing ideas, discovering new works, and engaging in thoughtful discussion throughout the day.

We would like to thank Xavier College and in particular James de Rozario for hosting us for the day. Our Reading Day would not be possible without the huge support of Fine Music.

A comprehensive repertoire list from the day is included below:

Repertoire Guide – Alphabetical Listing

Allegro Agitato — R. Christopher Teichler

Level: Grade 4.5

Overview:
A challenging and engaging work with strong variation and musical interest.

Musical Highlights:

• Varied sections
• Strong ensemble writing

Why it works:
Excellent for more advanced ensembles seeking challenge and variety.

Allegro con Brio (Symphony No. 44) — Haydn / arr. Stephen Chin

Level: Grade 4

Overview:
A classical work requiring stylistic awareness and ensemble precision.

Musical Highlights:

• Classical
• Clear structure

Why it works:
Excellent for introducing classical orchestral repertoire.

Purchase Information:
Available via Fine Music

Ancient Lore on Rocky Shore — Chris Thomas

Level: Grade 1.5

Overview:
A melodic work featuring effective use of pizzicato accompaniment.

Musical Highlights:

• Strong melody
• Textural contrast

Why it works:
Accessible with effective musical layering.

Bats in the Belfry — Eugenie Teychenne

Level: Multi-level

Overview:
A highly engaging and imaginative work with contrasting textures and musical ideas.

Musical Highlights:

• Mixed ability writing
• Varied textures
• Strong character elements

Why it works:
Well-liked by students and effective for mixed-level ensembles.

Purchase Information:
Available via https://playingpossums.com/product/bats-in-the-belfry-massed-string-orchestra/

Beside the Still Waters — Macbeth Bain / arr. Lane Gruselle

Level: Grade 2.5

Overview:
A rich and expressive work with strong harmonic writing.

Musical Highlights:

• Viola features
• Strong harmonic texture

Why it works:
Creates a warm and cohesive ensemble sound.

Calypso Cockatoo — Loreta Fin

Level: Grade 2

Overview:
A lively and rhythmically engaging piece with a dance-like feel.

Musical Highlights:

• Strong rhythmic groove
• Light, playful character
• Accessible ensemble writing

Why it works:
Fun and vibrant, with immediate appeal for students.

Chopin’s Ice Cream — John Kim Morley

Level: Grade 2

Overview:
A fast-paced and playful work with a light, engaging character.

Musical Highlights:

• Quick tempo and energetic style
• Strong tutti writing
• Engaging melodic material

Why it works:
Fun and lively, with strong student appeal and effective ensemble writing.

Purchase Information:
Available via jkimmorley@yahoo.com.au

Easy Peasy (12 imaginative very easy pieces) — Stephen Chin

Level: Grades 0.5–1

Overview:
A collection of short pieces ideal for early ensemble development.

Musical Highlights:

• Variety of styles
• Simple and effective writing

Why it works:
Highly effective for building early ensemble skills.

Purchase Information:
Available via Fine Music

Emma’s Quartet — Andrea Keeble

Level: Grade 4

Overview:
A colourful and texturally rich work with strong ensemble interplay.

Musical Highlights:

• Upper string complexity
• Rich textures

Why it works:
Engaging and musically rewarding for advanced players.

Purchase Information:
Available via www.andreakeeble.com

Fiddle Frenzy — Tyler Arcari

Level: Grade 4

Overview:
A high-energy piece inspired by American fiddle styles.

Musical Highlights:

• Driving rhythms
• Stylistic articulation
• Use of body percussion

Why it works:
Energetic and engaging, with strong audience appeal.

Finding Figaro — Mozart / arr. Lane Gruselle

Level: Grade 1

Overview:
A classical-style arrangement introducing stylistic awareness.

Musical Highlights:

• Classical phrasing
• Clear structure

Why it works:
Excellent introduction to classical repertoire.

Flight of the Ice Dragon — Kirk Mosier

Level: Grade 4

Overview:
An atmospheric work with strong melodic writing.

Musical Highlights:

• Strong cello lines
• Evocative textures

Why it works:
Highly effective and engaging for audiences.

Force of Nature — Brian Balmages

Level: Grade 2

Overview:
An energetic and impactful work with strong rhythmic drive and dynamic contrast.

Musical Highlights:

• Powerful opening
• Strong cello and bass writing
• Dynamic variation

Why it works:
A strong concert opener with immediate impact.

From the Start — Stewart / Kamuf

Level: Grade 2.5

Overview:
A stylistically engaging piece with a relaxed groove and melodic interest.

Musical Highlights:

• Lounge-style feel
• Effective pizzicato

Why it works:
Distinctive style adds variety to programs.

Fury of the Strings — Steven Shade

Level: Grade 2

Overview:
A fun and energetic work with strong rhythmic drive.

Musical Highlights:

• Dynamic contrasts
• Rhythmic energy

Why it works:
Highly enjoyable and engaging for students.

Galop — Neridah Oostenbroek

Level: Grade 3.5

Overview:
A lively and rhythmically driven work requiring strong ensemble precision.

Musical Highlights:

• Fast tempo
• Rhythmic clarity

Why it works:
Energetic and engaging, with strong ensemble focus.

Purchase Information:
Available via Fine Music

Ghosts and Goblins — Chris M. Bernotas

Level: Beginner (Grade 0.5)

Overview:
A characterful and imaginative work that introduces expressive contrasts.

Musical Highlights:

• Programmatic storytelling
• Dynamic contrasts
• Engaging textures

Why it works:
Fun and accessible, with strong student appeal.

High Velocity — Michael Story

Level: Grade 2.5

Overview:
A rhythmically engaging work with strong harmonic interest.

Musical Highlights:

• Rhythmic variety
• Extended harmonies

Why it works:
Engaging and musically interesting for intermediate groups.

In Memory of Goodbye — Matt Arnett

Level: Grade 1

Overview:
A lyrical work that allows students to explore expressive playing and sustained tone.

Musical Highlights:

• Long, flowing phrases
• Strong tutti writing
• Emotional character

Why it works:
Encourages musical expression from an early stage.

Klezmer Medley (Rumanian Zhok & Mitsve-Gedole) — Banner & Hanner

Level: Grades 2–2.5

Overview:
A stylistically rich work offering contrast to traditional repertoire.

Musical Highlights:

• Distinctive style and character
• Contrasting sections
• Accessible bass parts

Why it works:
Adds variety and cultural depth to a program.

Purchase Information:
Available via dovi.hanner@gmail.com

La Llorona — arr. Chris Thomas

Level: Grade 3.5

Overview:
A dramatic and expressive arrangement with strong bass writing.

Musical Highlights:

• Rich harmonic texture
• Strong lower string lines

Why it works:
Musically satisfying and effective in performance.

Moonlight Flight — Brian Balmages

Level: Grade 4

Overview:
A dramatic and atmospheric work featuring continuous motion and evolving textures.

Musical Highlights:

• Semiquaver motion
• Textural variation
• Strong momentum

Why it works:
Creates an impressive ensemble sound.

Morning Star — Katie O’Hara LaBrie

Level: Grade 2

Overview:
An atmospheric piece that builds gradually in texture and intensity.

Musical Highlights:

• Strong sense of atmosphere
• Layered ensemble writing
• Gradual build

Why it works:
Creates a mature sound with accessible material.

Onward — Katie O’Hara LaBrie

Level: Grade 3.5

Overview:
A flowing work with strong rhythmic motion and contrast.

Musical Highlights:

• Triplet motion
• Contrasting middle section
• Energetic character

Why it works:
Musically satisfying with strong structural clarity.

Ride of the Dullahan — Declan Postlethwaite

Level: Multi-level

Overview:
A multi-level work with strong contrast and evolving energy.

Musical Highlights:

• Tempo variation
• Calm to energetic progression

Why it works:
Flexible and effective for mixed ensembles.

Purchase Information:
Available via https://www.jwpepper.com/ride-of-the-dullahan-11637224/p?srsltid=AfmBOor2FXfwOV7KZAu-pfJmrlbRW-mzCHljuodTN0pbWkMOXwCRLCOn

Rock and Sausage Roll — Neridah Oostenbroek

Level: Grade 1

Overview:
A fun and accessible work ideal for younger ensembles.

Musical Highlights:

• Simple structure
• Strong rhythmic feel

Why it works:
Perfect for developing confidence in early ensembles.

Purchase Information:
Available via Fine Music

Shape-shifting Aliens — Lachlan Dent

Level: Grades 1–1.5

Overview:
A creative and imaginative work featuring extended techniques.

Musical Highlights:

• Special effects
• Unique textures

Why it works:
Highly engaging and encourages exploration of sound.

Purchase Information:
Available via lachlandent@yahoo.com

Southland Sketches, Allegretto Grazioso — Burleigh / Baker Monday

Level: Grade 3

Overview:
A stylistically engaging work with lyrical and rhythmic elements.

Musical Highlights:

• Legato writing
• Extended harmonies

Why it works:
Adds variety and musical depth.

Spring Fest — David Hinds

Level: Beginner (Grade 0.5)

Overview:
A bright and accessible work ideal for early ensemble development.

Musical Highlights:

• Clear structure
• Opportunities for dynamic contrast
• Approachable musical material

Why it works:
An excellent entry-level ensemble piece that balances simplicity with musical interest.

String Quintet — Evan Widjaja

Level: Grade 4

Overview:
A colourful and energetic work with strong ensemble interaction.

Musical Highlights:

• Rich textures
• Strong colour contrasts

Why it works:
Effective for developing advanced ensemble awareness.

Purchase Information:
Available via ewidjaja709@gmail.com

Swarm — Tyler Arcari

Level: Beginner (Grade 0.5)

Overview:
A rhythm-driven piece that builds excitement through repetition and strong pulse.

Musical Highlights:

• Rhythmic focus
• Effective use of lower strings
• Driving energy

Why it works:
Highly engaging and particularly effective for developing lower string sections.

The Haunted Suite — Ann Claire Porter

Level: Multi-level (Flexible)

Overview:
A three-movement suite built around contrasting textures and colours, creating a dark, atmospheric sound world.

Musical Highlights:

• Movement I: Bass/cello tutti foundation
• Movement II: Pizzicato-focused textures
• Movement III: Alternation between pizzicato and arco

Why it works:
Clear contrasts make this a good teaching and performance piece.

Purchase Information:
Available via clairep1756@gmail.com

The Journey Home — Eugenie Teychenne

Level: Grade 2

Overview:
An uplifting work with strong rhythmic and melodic variety.

Musical Highlights:

• Rhythmic contrast
• Clear structure

Why it works:
Strong writing suitable for a wide range of ensembles.

Purchase Information:
Available via https://playingpossums.com/product/the-journey-home/

The Marauder’s Tale — Anthony Granata

Level: Grade 3

Overview:
A fast-paced work full of rhythmic energy and changing textures.

Musical Highlights:

• Frequent tempo changes
• Strong ensemble sections
• Engaging motifs

Why it works:
Keeps all players engaged and challenged.

The Old City — Karen Kyriakou

Level: Grade 1.5

Overview:
A lyrical work with strong melodic lines.

Musical Highlights:

• Expressive melodies
• Cohesive writing

Why it works:
Musically satisfying and accessible.

Purchase Information:
Available via https://www.inapiece.com.au/product-page/the-old-city

Through the Looking Glass — Steve Parsons

Level: Grade 2.5

Overview:
A texturally rich work with distinctive stylistic elements.

Musical Highlights:

• Use of pizzicato and tremolo
• Nordic-inspired character

Why it works:
Unique sound world that engages students.

Trolls — Todd Stalter

Level: Grade 1.5

Overview:
A fun and characterful piece with strong ensemble appeal.

Musical Highlights:

• Pizzicato opening
• Strong rhythmic character

Why it works:
Engaging and well-liked by students.

Two Brazilian Tangos — Nazareth / arr. Lane Gruselle

Level: Grade 4

Overview:
A stylistically rich work with strong rhythmic identity and contrast.

Musical Highlights:

• Syncopation
• Character contrast
• Ensemble interplay

Why it works:
Excellent for developing stylistic awareness.

Waltz Macabre — Katie O’Hara LaBrie

Level: Grade 2

Overview:
A flowing and characterful waltz that develops stylistic awareness.

Musical Highlights:

• Clear triple metre feel
• Smooth phrasing
• Accessible lower parts

Why it works:
A great introduction to waltz style and ensemble shaping.

When an Angel Gets Its Wings — Christina Huss

Level: Grade 2

Overview:
A reflective and expressive work with strong harmonic writing.

Musical Highlights:

• Rich harmonies
• Solo opportunities

Why it works:
Emotionally engaging and musically rewarding.

You Can! Believe! — Alexandra Skevington

Level: Grade 2.5

Overview:
A rhythmically interesting work with crossover elements.

Musical Highlights:

• Varied rhythmic ideas
• Contemporary feel

Why it works:
Fresh and engaging with modern stylistic elements.