About the Music
The Bending River is written for an all level 3 ensemble focusing on short string crossing motives.
Proper left hand technique is also addressed through an opportunity to let notes on adjacent strings
ring over each other.
Guitars 1 and 2 play with strict im alternation, Guitar 3 has moments where they are asked to switch
between ‘p’ and ‘i’ strokes. It may be helpful to practice im alternation as a group on an open string
and use open strings to practice string-crossing. This allows students to bring their awareness to the
right hand more easily.
Starting out with simple repetitive droning figures, the music evolves to include dramatic melodic
moments, and unexpected surprises. There are opportunities to encourage the artistry of the
ensemble with sudden dynamic changes, and melodies that quickly shift and phase between
sections. Experiment with right hand tone colors to tie together melodies that alternate between
parts.