A Jolly Merry Christmas: Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by John Leavitt
Item: 35-PK00130878
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Description
This sparkling pair of holiday classics will be an excellent addition to all types of Christmas concerts. Perfect for performing with school and community orchestras, it will be especially enjoyable for children's audiences. Includes: "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," "Up on the Housetop." Duration: ca. 3:45.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00130878
More about this title
About the Arranger: John Leavitt
John Leavitt has established himself as a trusted arranger for school and community music programs, with a particular gift for making classic melodies accessible and engaging across ensemble types. His arrangements prioritize musical integrity while remaining practical for mixed-ability groups, earning him a reputation among directors who value both artistic quality and teachability.
Why we love this
Leavitt's orchestrations of these two beloved carols strike a rare balance between genuine charm and rehearsal efficiency. The scoring works beautifully with modest orchestras while the choral writing sits comfortably for chamber ensembles, making it genuinely useful programming rather than just another holiday medley.
What to expect
These arrangements radiate genuine warmth without sentiment. There's a lightness to the orchestration that lets the melodies shine, paired with harmonic support that feels thoughtful rather than decorative. The result is festive and spirited while maintaining musical substance.
Who it's for
Directors programming holiday concerts with limited orchestra resources will find this especially valuable. Chamber choirs performing in community or school settings benefit from the flexible instrumentation, while young audiences respond immediately to the familiar melodies in fresh arrangements.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the choir against strings and winds by allowing the instrumental lines room to breathe; these arrangements thrive when each color is heard distinctly rather than blended into a thick wash.
- Keep the tempo conversational and warm rather than rushing through the melodies. The familiarity of these tunes can tempt conductors toward briskness, but listeners (especially young ones) connect more deeply with space and clarity.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to lock ensemble coordination if needed, but avoid depending on it entirely. The instrumental parts reward live ensemble rehearsal.
How to use it
Open your holiday concert with this pair to establish an approachable, joyful tone that sets the audience at ease. The compact runtime allows room for more substantial works on the same program, and the accessibility of the material makes it an effective bridge between concert opener and more demanding repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Ensemble blend across mixed instrumental and vocal textures
- Intonation in sustained harmonic passages
- Maintaining rhythmic clarity in straightforward, song-like contexts
- Phrase shaping and melodic line awareness