Perfect for your holiday concert, we introduce seven string orchestra selections that are sure to delight your students and captivate your audiences – all while providing high-quality, engaging, and challenging music that enhances your students’ learning experience.
In Winter
Antonio Vivaldi/arr. Todd Parrish – Carl Fischer LLC
This creative arrangement develops the iconic rhythmic motif from the first movement of Vivaldi’s Winter from “The Four Seasons.” Arpeggiated patterns in the lower strings realize the implied harmonies from the original score, spreading this energetic rhythm throughout all the sections of the orchestra. Students will have the opportunity to refine staccato bow technique and play with balance between parts in the key of G minor, with just a few easy accidentals. This imaginative take on a classic winter theme is suitable for winter concerts or any other time of year.
Starts at 1:09
In the Bleak Midwinter
Gustav Holst/arr. Katie O’Hara LaBrie – Randall Standridge Music, LLC
Orchestras from beginning to advanced will sound amazing in this lush arrangement. Full of rich harmonies and ample opportunities for phrasing, you’d never notice that the piece is crafted with simplified rhythms and limited ranges. An added piano part keeps it moving forward with rolling waves of eighth notes while each of the string sections takes a turn at the melody and moving lines.
Starts at 2:08
Pine Tree Polka
Erica Donahoe – Wingert-Jones Publications
This clever work uses the popular Christmas carols Jingle Bells and Up on the Housetop as a backdrop. Pocketed around the original polka, the carols peak out from behind the pine branches like ornaments. Your musicians and audiences will have a lot of fun with this one!
Starts at 2:55
Frosty the Snowman
Steve Nelson & Jack Rollins/arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle – MakeMusic Publications
This lighthearted arrangement of the holiday favorite is very approachable and includes melodic material that weaves its way throughout the ensemble. Optional easy percussion is quite effective, especially in the fun, jazzy swing finale that students and audiences will love.
Starts at 3:42
Snow Day!
Steve Olson – Tempo Press
Experience the joy of a snowy day. Composed to include every orchestra member, this delightful piece captures the essence of winter fun while providing musical challenges for all skill levels. From lyrical melodies to lively rhythms, this will become a favorite in your orchestra’s repertoire. Perfect for holiday concerts or any winter-themed performance, this piece will leave your audience feeling warm and festive.
Starts at 4:45
Quest of the Three Magi
Caryn Wiegand Neidhold – Highland/Etling Publishing
Follow the picturesque journey of the Three Wise Men across a continent. At the center is a round melody played by all instrument groups using arco and pizzicato with straightforward rhythms. Optional accompanying percussion augments the holiday feel. Violin 2 and viola are doubled, as are cello and string bass. An enchanting piece to program for winter concerts with a magical touch for the Christmas season.
Starts at 5:40
Last Christmas
George Michael/arr. Chris M. Bernotas – Alfred Music Belwin Division
This timeless Christmas pop hit is now accessible to young orchestras with this fantastic arrangement. A concert favorite for sure!
Starts at 6:33
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