Sue Roberts

The Balloon Man for String Orchestra Sue Roberts

Grade 1 Imagine a hot summer afternoon, a park filled with people, and a big red balloon drifting over the crowd. The balloon man blows up balloon after balloon and hands them to the children. These vivid images are painted in this charming and delicate work. A rare Grade 1 in 3/4, it is perfect for developing counting and pizzicato skills. Written in D major, all four strings are used, and rhythms are simple. All parts use high 2s (except briefly in Violin 1) with a fun harmonic glissando special effect. At the very end, the balloons pop one by one.