A Christmas Hymn: Tuba
A Christmas Hymn: Tuba Sheet Music Preview

A Christmas Hymn: Tuba

Till Morning Is Nigh

Words and music by J. E. Spillman and Martin Luther / setting by Robert W. Smith

Grade: 2.5

Item: 00-PC-0015603_TB1
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Description
Based upon the traditional carol "Away in a Manger", this setting for full orchestra explores contemporary harmonies and textures. The carol is structured in 4/4 time as opposed to the customary 3/4 time, which allows the listener to enjoy the melody from a totally new perspective. This innovative arrangement will complete any holiday program. (3:50)

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Additional Details
Series: Belwin Intermediate Full Orchestra
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 110
SKU: 00-PC-0015603_TB1

More about this title

Why we love this

Robert W. Smith's arrangement strips away the expected 3/4 waltz meter and rebuilds "Away in a Manger" in 4/4, creating genuine freshness without losing the carol's essential character. At Grade 2.5, the orchestration remains transparent and playable while the contemporary harmonic language gives even young musicians a chance to hear how a single melody can live in entirely new musical territory.

What to expect

A carol reimagined rather than repackaged. The familiar melody floats over contemporary harmonies that shift the emotional weight of the piece without abandoning its spiritual foundation. The 4/4 meter gives the music forward momentum and a modern ease that feels contemporary while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.

Who it's for

Orchestra directors seeking accessible yet musically sophisticated holiday repertoire that respects both student ability and audience expectation. This arrangement works equally well for school orchestras, community ensembles, and combined festival performances where a familiar carol in a fresh voice adds genuine programming value.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the melody across your orchestration; the new harmonic context can obscure the tune if string doublings overshadow the lead voice. Listen carefully during rehearsal to ensure the carol remains recognizable.
  • Treat the 4/4 meter shift not as a rhythmic complication but as a chance to breathe differently. The carol's phrasing may feel less familiar at first, so conduct with clear intent to help the ensemble settle into the new pulse.
  • Explore the dynamic range available at this grade level. Contemporary textures often benefit from sensitive dynamic shaping, which can highlight the harmonic innovations without requiring technical extremes.

How to use it

Reserve this for the centerpiece of your holiday concert, where it can stand confidently beside more traditional seasonal fare without feeling experimental or out of place. The three-minute-fifty-second duration and Grade 2.5 accessibility make it ideal for school orchestra concerts in December, and the arrangement's distinctive approach works particularly well when you want to program the carol only once and make that single performance memorable.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and responding to contemporary harmonic language
  • Maintaining melodic integrity across shifting textures and parts
  • Understanding how meter fundamentally reshapes familiar material
  • Balancing between primary and secondary lines in a four-part orchestration

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