Hello! My name is Sarah McLellan and I am the founder of Pick ‘n’ Mix Strings.

As a music teacher myself, I am passionate about providing opportunities for students of all stages to experience the joy of making music together. It has been my privilege over the years to direct ensembles in a wide range of settings in the UK, Hong Kong and throughout Asia as part of FOBISIA Network.

We all know that choosing the right repertoire is such an important factor in students’ (and teachers’!) enjoyment of ensemble playing. To which end, I have spent many hours over the years, tweaking or rearranging existing string parts, to make them as inclusive, appropriate and engaging as possible for every player. In particular, I have often found that although there is a wealth of repertoire specially arranged for beginner students, very often these pieces mean that any higher level players would be sat there with a part much too easy for them. Conversely, if choosing a more substantial piece that would challenge the Grade 8+ players for example, I would inevitably end up writing a variety of parts for the not so experienced students to access.

Having located back to the UK in 2022 after a wonderful 9 years working in Hong Kong, I wanted to create this selection of Pick ‘n’ Mix String arrangements, for string groups of all shapes and sizes, in the hope that the multiple options of parts for each instrumental line, will save busy music teachers time- as you can literally ‘Pick ‘n’ Mix’ which parts suit your players best- and will hopefully enable musicians of all levels to experience the joy of making quality music with others. It has been a particular pleasure to see these arrangements used for a recent series of Community String Days up in Cumbria, bringing together string players of all ages and stages from across the county.

There is a wonderful team of people involved in the Pick ‘n’ Mix Strings Story - from fellow music teachers, string players and students who have tried and tested every arrangement, to much appreciated specialist advice about cello and double bass fingering and technique, to wonderful techno-wizardary help and many, many conversations and inspiration found over cups of tea and other refreshments!

From all of us, we hope that you enjoy these Pick ‘n’ Mix Strings arrangements!