A Shepherd's Carol: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Arranged by John Moss
Grade: 2-3
Item: 35-PK00319473
$40.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| A Shepherd's Carol - Full Score | $6.00 | |
| A Shepherd's Carol - Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| A Shepherd's Carol - Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| A Shepherd's Carol - Violin 3 (Viola T.C.) | $7.00 | |
| A Shepherd's Carol - Viola | $7.00 | |
| A Shepherd's Carol - Cello | $7.00 | |
| A Shepherd's Carol - String Bass | $7.00 | |
| A Shepherd's Carol - Piano | $7.00 | |
| A Shepherd's Carol - Percussion 1 | $7.00 | |
| A Shepherd's Carol - Percussion 2 | $7.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
John Moss' version of this gentle carol demonstates why his writing for young string groups has been a staple for directors who enjoy skilled and creative arranging that makes teaching a pleasure. Your students will love this fresh treatment.
Dur: 2:30
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00319473
More about this title
About the Arranger: John Moss
John Moss has built a reputation among string directors for arrangements that respect young players' abilities while refusing to talk down to them musically. His work appears regularly in school concerts across the country, favored by teachers who value clear writing, logical part independence, and the kind of musical satisfaction that keeps students engaged.
Why we love this
Moss writes string parts that breathe and move independently without creating balance problems, which means your second violins and violas actually have something interesting to play. The arrangement fits comfortably in the hands of grade 2-3 students while maintaining genuine musicality, so you're not sacrificing artistry to stay within technical reach.
What to expect
A moment of quiet reflection wrapped in elegant harmonies. The writing creates space for the carol melody to unfold naturally, supported by gentle counterpoint that never crowds the texture. There's warmth here without sentimentality, and dignity without stiffness.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the middle school level and younger high school groups looking for accessible yet musically rewarding holiday material. Directors want repertoire that teaches solid fundamentals while giving students genuine satisfaction in performance.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody through dynamic gradation rather than sudden changes; the gentle character rewards a careful approach to crescendos and diminuendos across phrases.
- Establish the tempo early in rehearsals at a walking pace that lets the harmony breathe. Rushing flattens the contemplative mood.
- Balance the inner voices so accompaniment figures provide harmonic warmth without swallowing the carol tune. Frequently check your second violins and violas at actual performance dynamics.
- Use the opening measures to establish unified bow direction and a warm tone quality; the entire piece depends on ensemble cohesion in these early bars.
How to use it
Place this in a holiday concert where it can anchor a set of contrasting seasonal pieces. Its two and a half minute length makes it an ideal bridge between more energetic selections, giving audiences a moment to settle while your ensemble demonstrates lyrical control.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained bow control and tone production over longer phrases
- Dynamic shaping and musical phrasing at the ensemble level
- Part independence while maintaining harmonic awareness
- Intonation precision in sustained harmonies
- Ensemble balance with emphasis on accompanying figures