Bureaucratic Backstep for flexible ensemble will make you feel as though you are at the circus! Composed for mixed ability players, this piece is a lively and comedic dance tune in the key of G major – but watch out for those accidentals. The tune (Part A), for more experienced players, is carried by violin, keyboard, clarinet in B♭ and/or viola, with an additional optional part for flute. Parts B, C, D & E for young but confident players of strings, keyboard and/or woodwinds accompany the tune – and expect to enjoy challenging rhythmic interplay with these parts! Whether performed as a quintet or orchestra, Bureaucratic Backstep will leave your audience grinning from ear to ear.

How to use: This work for junior players is suitable for a quintet, chamber group, or small orchestra using any combination of any number of the instruments listed above. Bureaucratic Backstep is in five parts; there are in general at least two different ability level options for each possible instrument. All you need to do is assign parts to the players in your ensemble while ensuring you have a satisfactory balance and blend of instruments. Some examples of instrument combinations include:

• Part A Violin(s) and Flute(s)(additional); Part B Violin(s) and Clarinet(s) in B♭; Part C Viola(s), Violin(s) and Cello(s); Part D Viola(a); Part E Cello(s).
• Part A Viola(s), Keyboard and Clarinet(s) in B♭; Part B Clarinet(s) in B♭ and Violin(s); Part C Clarinet(s) in B♭; Part D Viola Part E Bass Clarinet(s) in B♭ and/or Keyboard(s).
• Part A Violin; Part B Flute; Part C Violin; Part D Clarinet in B♭; Part E Cello.
• Clarinet Quintet plus optional additional instruments.

But these are only some of the many options! The Flexible Ensemble Series gives you the opportunity to mix and match parts to suit the young musicians in your ensemble.

N.B.: Part A must be played by Violin, Keyboard, Clarinet in B♭ and/or Viola. Flute can be added to one or more of these supporting instruments.