Bass-ically Christmas: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Featuring: Jolly Old St. Nicholas / Jingle Bells
By James Lord Pierpont / arr. Bob Phillips
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PK-0007368
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Description
This cute, simple arrangement features the bass section and makes them sound great! Have some fun with this cool medley featuring "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and "Jingle Bells" that will brighten any holiday concert. Add props and attitude as the conclusion swings into the holidays with Bass-cally Christmas, arranged by Bob Phillips. (2:10)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Bass-ically 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:
Sound Innovations for String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
156
SKU:
00-PK-0007368
More about this title
About the Composer: James Lord Pierpont
James Lord Pierpont (1822, 1893) composed some of the most enduring holiday melodies in American music. His gift for writing singable, memorable tunes made him a prolific songwriter during the 19th century, and his work has remained in the standard repertoire of holiday celebrations for over 150 years.
Pierpont's melodies have the quality of genuine folk appeal; they feel inevitable once you hear them, as though they've always existed. This accessibility is precisely why his compositions work so well in educational settings and why arrangers continue to return to his catalog.
Why we love this
Bob Phillips has crafted an arrangement that finally gives bass players their moment in the spotlight. Rather than asking them to anchor the harmonic foundation as usual, this medley puts the celebrated melodies in their hands, letting them drive the musical narrative while the rest of the orchestra supports. The Grade 2 accessibility means even developing orchestras can pull off something genuinely fun and engaging.
What to expect
Warm, playful, and unexpectedly energetic. The bass section drives forward with melodies that feel natural to their range, creating a friendly, unforced holiday spirit. As the medley swings into its conclusion, the arrangement builds into something celebratory that leaves audiences smiling.
Who it's for
String orchestra conductors looking to feature their bass section and add genuine musical fun to a holiday concert program. Students benefit from playing familiar material in a new context, and the arrangement rewards their preparation with audience recognition and applause. This works equally well for mixed-level orchestras since the supporting parts remain manageable.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the bass section prominently throughout; they carry the melody and need to sing with confidence rather than blend into the background.
- Emphasize the rhythmic character of both melodies, especially in "Jingle Bells," to keep the energy crisp and the holiday spirit evident.
- Use the two-minute-ten-second runtime to build excitement naturally; resist the urge to rush as the medley concludes and swings into the final statement.
How to use it
Program this as a mid-concert palate cleanser or feature it on a pops concert where the lighter tone and section spotlight add variety to your lineup. The two-minute runtime makes it a natural closer for a holiday concert, especially one built around audience favorites and ensemble showcases.
Skills your students will build
- Playing in a featured section role and responding to dynamic leadership within the ensemble
- Articulation and phrasing in familiar melodic material
- Maintaining rhythmic integrity while managing ensemble balance in an unconventional orchestration