A Holly Jolly Christmas: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Johnny Marks / arr. Bob Cerulli
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PK-0007075
$60.00
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Description
A new take on a time-tested standard, this easy arrangement by Bob Cerulli features the cellos and the first violins. Enjoy! (2:35)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A Holly Jolly Christmas: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts 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 Intermediate String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
144
SKU:
00-PK-0007075
More about this title
About the Composer: Johnny Marks
Johnny Marks composed some of the most enduring holiday standards of the 20th century, writing music that has soundtracked generations of seasonal celebrations. His gift for memorable melody and straightforward harmonic language made his work instantly accessible to both performers and listeners, a quality that has kept his songs in steady rotation for decades.
Why we love this
Bob Cerulli's arrangement spotlights the cellos and first violins in a way that gives each section a moment to shine rather than burying the tune in unison. At Grade 2, it's genuinely playable for younger orchestras without sounding thin or under-orchestrated. The 2:35 runtime makes it perfect for holiday concerts where every piece needs to earn its place.
What to expect
Bright and unpretentious, with that characteristic mid-century pop warmth that Marks' melodies carry so naturally. The arrangement feels like an invite to a celebration rather than a formal performance obligation.
Who it's for
Young orchestras building confidence with contemporary arrangements and string musicians ready for music beyond traditional classical fare. Directors seeking holiday repertoire that doesn't talk down to players but also doesn't demand advanced technique.
How to get the most out of it
- Let the cellos anchor the groove in the opening sections; they carry more weight here than in typical string arrangements, so encourage a warm, connected sound from that section.
- Balance the first violins' melody against the cello foundation carefully during tutti passages to keep the tune from getting swallowed.
- Maintain steady pulse in the rhythm section parts (violas and second violins) as the harmonic glue, especially if you're using the recorded accompaniment as a reference.
- Treat the moderate tempo marking as an invitation to swing the feel slightly rather than metronomic; holiday material often breathes better with a touch of rhythmic ease.
How to use it
Pair this with one classical selection and another contemporary piece to create a balanced holiday concert that reflects how students actually encounter music. It works equally well as an opener (to establish an accessible, friendly atmosphere) or as an encore.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melody and accompaniment voices across the full ensemble
- Reading and executing sustained notes with consistent tone quality
- Responding to a moderate tempo with rhythmic precision and independence
- Listening across sections to maintain blend while performing contrasting material