Storm for Violin Ensemble & Percussion | Score & Curriculum Guide
Composed by Jessica T. Carter
Curriculum Guide by Alexis PeartPart of the Castle of our Skins | Boston Public Schools Collection
Storm is an imaginative four-movement work for violin ensemble and percussion that invites students to explore how music can depict the forces of nature. Through four short movements—Monsoon, Tornado, Hurricane, and Blizzard—composer Jessica T. Carter uses rhythm, texture, color, and extended techniques to capture the unique character and energy of different weather events.
Designed for developing musicians, the piece features violin parts of varying difficulty levels, allowing students of different abilities to participate in a shared ensemble experience. Simple extended techniques, including tremolo and sul ponticello, introduce players to new sounds and expressive possibilities, while the percussion section provides rhythmic drive and atmospheric color.
The accompanying curriculum guide by Alexis Peart offers ready-to-use lessons and activities that help students connect musical concepts with scientific and creative explorations of weather, sound, and storytelling.
Ensemble: Violin Ensemble & Percussion
Instrumentation:
- Violin 1
- Violin 2
- Violin 3
- Violin 4
- Bass Drum
- Snare Drum
- Crash (or Suspended) Cymbal
- Triangle
- Xylophone
Duration: Approximately 7:30
Mastery Levels:
- Monsoon — 2
- Tornado — 2
- Hurricane — 3
- Blizzard — 2
Includes:
- Full performance score and parts
- Curriculum guide by Alexis Peart
- Adaptable lesson plans and activities
Part of the Boston Public Schools Collection, a series of commissioned works and culturally responsive curriculum guides designed to expand access to music by African diasporic composers for young musicians.
