An arrangement written Sept 2001 for Epsom Children's Orchestra (ages 7-14 and mostely grade 2-5 standard). I was delighted to find that the main theme (bars 1-34) from the second movement of Mendelssohn's Italian symphony could be played by ECO almost as written by Mendelssohn. The only changes I have made are: (a) the addition of simple flute and cello parts, (b) shorter phrase marks for the strings, (c) option of trumpet and clarinet joining in for the last 4 bars. From bar 39 onwards, instead of modulating to A-major for the second subject etc, this arrangement stays in D-minor and just repeats the main theme a couple of times with different intstrumentations, but I have added some new counterpoint for the brass section (bars 59-67). The main aim is to give all players something interesting to do and the chance to play a great tune. Even the percussionists get to join in through the addition of a timpani part from bar 59 onwards. Similarly, there is an alto sax part (kept as discreet as possible - just doubling the melody in places) for no better reason than there is currently a player in the orchestra. Key viola passages are cued in the first violin for occasions when there are no viola players at rehearsals. Mendelssohn's ending (given here as bars 78-95) works well if spliced on after bar 74, but as this is probably a bit too ambitious, I have put in an alternative coda as bars 75-77. The percussionists were getting bored so I have added glockenspiel and triangle parts (not included here in main score but available as parts).