A Christmas Festival: Score
A Swinging Christmas
By Leroy Anderson / adapted for string orchestra by Michael Story
Grade: 3.5
Item: 00-PR-0002775
$11.00
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Description
At last! A classic holiday masterpiece is now available to string orchestras thanks to this faithful adaptation of the original arrangement as performed by the Boston Pops at its premiere. All of the great melodies are present in this very playable arrangement. Certain to be a spectacular opening or closing piece for holiday concerts year after year!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A Christmas Festival: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Concert String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
124
SKU:
00-PR-0002775
More about this title
About the Composer: Leroy Anderson
Leroy Anderson (1908–1975) was an American composer and conductor best known for his light orchestral works and film scores. He studied at Harvard University and later served as assistant conductor of the Boston Pops under Arthur Fiedler, where many of his compositions premiered. Anderson's gift for melodic invention and orchestration made him a favorite of pops orchestras worldwide, and his works remain staples of holiday and popular concert programming.
Why we love this
This adaptation brings one of Anderson's most beloved holiday works within reach of developing string orchestras without sacrificing the sparkle and energy that made it famous. Michael Story's arrangement preserves the original's infectious melodies and bright orchestration while keeping the technical demands manageable for Grade 3.5 ensembles. It's the kind of piece that sounds far more impressive than it is difficult to play, making it an ideal showstopper for your December concert.
What to expect
Festive and buoyant, with infectious melodies that audiences recognize immediately. The piece radiates warmth and holiday spirit without sentimentality, maintaining the brisk energy and charm that audiences expect from Anderson's light orchestral style.
Who it's for
String orchestra directors looking for a crowd-pleasing holiday centerpiece that works for intermediate ensembles. Students at the Grade 3.5 level gain experience with full-length concert works while enjoying the musical rewards of playing recognizable, joyful material.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melodic line across your string sections, particularly in the opening and closing statements. Anderson's orchestration relies on clarity rather than weight, so lean toward transparency in your sonority.
- Shape the phrase endings with slight ritardandos and dynamic tapering where appropriate. The piece's charm lives in its rhythmic vitality, and pacing control will enhance the festive character.
- Pay attention to articulation consistency within the violin sections when they carry the main themes. Uniform bow control and attack will make the familiar melodies sing clearly.
- Use rehearsal letters as natural reset points for ensemble synchronization. With 124 pages of score and parts, dividing practice into digestible sections by letter will accelerate learning.
How to use it
Open or close your winter concert with this piece to ensure strong audience engagement and leaving listeners in a celebratory mood. It pairs well with lighter or more serious holiday repertoire and works equally well as a standalone finale or as part of a themed pops-style program.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melodic material across string sections
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in extended concert works
- Shaping lyrical phrases with dynamic control
- Ensemble coordination across 124 pages of conductor score and parts