John Caponegro, with undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, he has done extensive postgraduate work at Columbia Teachers College, New York University and Long Island University, where in recent years he completed the requirements for a Professional Diploma in Public School Administration.

John Caponegro's forty years of teaching experience at all levels from elementary through high school have made him keenly aware of the musical needs of students and teachers. Geared primarily for the elementary level, his compositions and arrangements are widely performed throughout the world. He recently retired from teaching and plans to devote more time than ever to writing and arranging for school instrumentalists.

String Orchestra

All arrangements include a third violin (viola treble clef) part and a rehearsal piano part.

Easy

All parts remain in first position (basses may use some half position). Any extended fingerings are marked and additional courtesy accidentals are provided. The keys of C, G, and D majors are used. All parts are bowed and additional verbal instructions are provided when necessary.

Intermediate

First violin parts require shifts into third position, with possible extensions into fourth. Bass and cello parts may require first through fourth position, often with alternate small-note options for members of section who have not yet learned to shift. Second violin and viola parts remain in first position. Any extended fingerings are marked and additional courtesy accidentals are provided. All parts are bowed and additional verbal instructions are provided when necessary.

Full Orchestra

All arrangements include a third violin (viola treble clef) part and a rehearsal piano part. All full orchestra part include an optional harp part.

Easy

All parts remain in first position (basses may use some half position). Any extended fingerings are marked and additional courtesy accidentals are provided. All parts are bowed and additional verbal instructions are provided when necessary. Wind and brass parts are edited to include courtesy accidentals for most sharps, slide positions and fingerings for less familiar brass notes, alternate or unusual fingerings (R & L) for clarinets and explanations of certain enharmonic notes (D#=E flat).

Intermediate

First violin parts require shifts into third position, with possible extensions into fourth. Bass and cello parts may require first through fourth position, often with alternate small-note options for members of section who have not yet learned to shift. Second violin and viola parts remain in first position. Any extended fingerings are marked and additional courtesy accidentals are provided. All parts are bowed and additional verbal instructions are provided when necessary. Wind and brass parts are edited to include many courtesy accidentals, fingerings and slide positions for less familiar brass notes, alternate or unusual fingerings (R and L) marked for clarinets and explanations of certain enharmonics.