Bell Carol Rock: Score
By Mykola D. Leontovych / arr. Ryan Fraley
Grade: 1.5
Item: 98-DB1887S
$9.00
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Description
Rock out with this hip new version of the Ukrainian Bell Carol! Modern harmonies, great use of mallet instruments, and optional drum set all combine to make this a true showstopper! Incredibly colorful writing for developing bands and a modern twist on a classic!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Bell Carol Rock: Score 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:
FJH Flex Series
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DB1887S
More about this title
About the Composer: Mykola D. Leontovych
Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921) was a Ukrainian composer and conductor whose works drew deeply from his country's folk traditions. His most enduring composition, the "Prayer for Ukraine" (better known as the Ukrainian Bell Carol), has become a beloved staple of holiday programming worldwide, celebrated for its soaring melody and emotional resonance.
Leontovych's influence on choral and band music education extends far beyond his lifetime. Arrangers continue to reimagine his melodic gifts for contemporary ensembles, introducing new generations of students to a work that bridges classical tradition and accessible musicality.
Why we love this
Ryan Fraley's arrangement strips away the reverential weight that often surrounds this carol and replaces it with genuine rhythmic energy and modern harmonic color. The flexible instrumentation means you can perform this with exactly what you have on hand, while the optional drum set and mallet writing give even developing players a chance to contribute something genuinely exciting to the ensemble sound.
What to expect
Modern and joyful without losing the carol's essential character. The rock energy feels earned rather than forced; the contemporary harmonies add sparkle while the melody remains instantly recognizable. It's the kind of arrangement that makes audience members smile twice: once at the familiar tune, and again at what Fraley has done with it.
Who it's for
Concert bands and flexible ensembles at the 1.5 grade level who need a holiday piece that sounds far more complex than it is to prepare. This works equally well for departments with full instrumentation or those with gaps in their sections, since the arrangement accommodates various combinations of available players.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the rock groove locked between the rhythm section and mallets; the harmonic movement sits on top of steady forward motion, not stiff quarter-note pulse.
- Balance the melody so it sings through the accompaniment texture. This isn't a drum feature or a bells showpiece; the tune itself is always the anchor.
- Let the modern harmonies breathe by shaping phrases with slight dynamic swell rather than pushing volume throughout. The sophistication comes from voice leading, not loudness.
- If adding the optional drum set, rehearse that part separately with your front line to ensure the rock feel doesn't overshadow the melodic content.
How to use it
Perfect for a holiday concert finale or an opener that sets an upbeat, contemporary tone early in your program. The accessibility and crowd appeal make it ideal for December programming when you need material that engages both traditional audiences and younger listeners.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing rock rhythms with steady forward groove
- Balancing melody line against active accompaniment texture
- Flexible instrumentation reading (adjusting to available players)
- Mallet technique and coordination with ensemble rhythm section
- Shaping musical phrases with dynamic control rather than constant push