Hello. I'm a violin teacher and I have 2 violin students entering a local music festival competition soon and their category is for Grade 1-3 violinists (with or without piano accompaniment). I'm looking for 2 impressive pieces that would be suitable - i.e. pieces that sound impressive and flashy but are not too difficult - preferably all in 1st position. A little 3rd position will be OK. Both students are around Grade 2-3 standard.

Can anyone suggest anything??

The time limit is max. 4 mins per piece.

Many thanks

Still Reeling, from Fiddle Time Sprinters, La Cucaracha from Abracadabra Violin Book 2, or Old Joe Clark from AB Grade III selected pieces 2008-2011, might suit. They are all good for creating rapport with an audience as well as seeming quite showy.

Witches Dance from current Gd 2, also William Tell

From Jigs Reels & Hornpipes ed Huw Jones - Drowsy Maggie, Spey in Spate, Carolans Farewell

Suzuki Book 1 Minuet 2, Suzuki Book 3 Humoresque

Wild West is another good one in Sprinters - it's got lots of shifting, but all based around a D major arpeggio.

Young Violinist's Repertoire, book 1, has a couple of options, such as a very lively (and fun to play) Gypsy Dance.

Just about any of the Edward Huws Jones book will have suitable things, too.

What about Sweet Lorraine from the old Grade 3 syllabus? It's really nice, and to my (relatively untrained!!) ear sounds quite "flashy"