Carol of the Bells: SATB Choral Octavo

Name: Carol of the Bells: SATB Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-SVM03088
Price: 2.25 USD
Availability: InStock

(Ukrainian Bell Carol)

Words by Jeff Funk / arr. Jeff Funk

Level: Moderate

Item: 00-SVM03088

$2.25

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Jeff Funk's creative new lyrics and the traditional Ukrainian Bell Carol combine to give us a fresh approach to a long standing Christmas favorite. Add a touch of class to your holiday concert with this exceptional work.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Carol of the Bells: SATB Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Studio PR Catalog

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 654979060529

SKU: 00-SVM03088

More about this title

About the Arranger: Jeff Funk

Jeff Funk established himself as a prolific choral publisher while still in his teens, launching a career that has produced hundreds of works and placed over 1.7 million copies in circulation. A summa cum laude graduate of Millikin University, he gained national recognition when NBC selected his composition "Believe in the Music" as the opening number for the 2000 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade telecast. Beyond choral music, Funk has worked as an assistant editor for Necro Publications and ventured into fiction writing, with his short story appearing in a paperback anthology. He resides in Auburn, Indiana.

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Why we love this

Funk takes a beloved standard and strips away predictability with fresh lyrics that sit naturally against the familiar Ukrainian melody. The moderate difficulty and Grade 3 level make it accessible to developing choirs without sacrificing musicality or arranging sophistication. This is the kind of holiday selection that audiences hear as special rather than perfunctory.

What to expect

The traditional bell carol melody carries its own joy and momentum, now infused with Funk's contemporary text that brings intellectual substance to the seasonal celebration. The eight-page arrangement strikes a balance between the comfort of familiarity and the excitement of discovering something genuinely new in a well-known framework.

Who it's for

This octavo works for high school and community choirs seeking a sophisticated yet accessible holiday selection. Developing SATB groups benefit from the moderate voicing and the opportunity to freshly interpret a recognizable tune.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the text clarity against the melodic sweep of the bell carol; resist the urge to sacrifice diction for legit to the traditional tune.
If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse without it first so singers own the harmonic foundation before layering in the track.
Shape phrases with the new lyrics in mind; Funk's text has natural arc and momentum that should guide your phrasing choices.
Let the SATB voices breathe together as a unified sound rather than highlighting individual parts; the arrangement thrives on blend.

How to use it

Place this early in your holiday concert lineup to establish an elegant tone while capitalizing on audience recognition of the carol. It pairs well with both traditional and contemporary seasonal works, offering a bridge between classic and modern sensibilities that distinguishes your programming.