Avalanche is an expressive and energetic original composition for beginning orchestra that is also a wonderful teaching piece for bow distribution, lifts, retakes, and string crossing. The 'avalanche' motives feature descending octave leaps and descending scale patterns that make string crossings accessible to beginners. Violins and violas make frequent use of the 4th finger. The piece is a great introduction to B-flat, C and F naturals to modulate from D major to D minor. All parts are playable in first position (some half position for bass), and there are no cello extensions or high 3rd fingers for violin or viola.