Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24: Drums
As Performed by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Music by Paul O'Neill and Robert Kinkel / arr. Bob Phillips
Grade: 3.5
Item: 00-PC-0014539_D
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Description
As seen in the mind-boggling Trans-Siberian stage show! This thought-provoking medley of Christmas tunes describes a lone cellist playing Christmas carols in the midst of the Bosnian war. The piece reflects the power, drama, and hope of a single musician in the midst of war, reflecting on the power of music to bring hope. The rock rhythm section contributes to an intense and very hip musical experience. Perhaps include a field trip to see the band live with lights and effects.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24: Drums 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:
Pop Concert String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
140
SKU:
00-PC-0014539_D
More about this title
About the Composer: Paul O'Neil
Paul O'Neill is the creative force behind Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the theatrical rock band known for elaborate stage productions that blend classical music, rock, and storytelling. His work as a composer and conceptualist has defined a unique genre that appeals to audiences across age groups and musical backgrounds, making him a significant figure in contemporary music education and performance.
O'Neill's compositions often explore historical or humanitarian themes through the lens of orchestral rock. His ability to write emotionally resonant melodies alongside driving rhythms has made his work accessible to student ensembles while maintaining artistic integrity. For music educators, his catalog represents a bridge between classical training and the rock idiom that many students find personally engaging.
Why we love this
This arrangement brings genuine theatrical weight to a string orchestra without requiring additional staging or technical elements. The medley structure and the underlying narrative of hope amid conflict resonate with student performers in ways that purely abstract pieces often don't, creating real buy-in during rehearsal. The rock rhythm section (essential to the piece's character) sits at an accessible level for Grade 3.5 musicians while delivering an authentically powerful sound.
What to expect
A meditation on resilience wrapped in accessible melodies and driving rhythm. The piece balances intimate, contemplative passages with moments of propulsive energy, creating emotional arcs that shift between hope and intensity. Students experience what it means for music to convey a story larger than themselves.
Who it's for
String orchestra directors at the middle school and early high school level who want winter concert repertoire with genuine dramatic impact and student engagement. Musicians who respond to narrative-driven music and rock-influenced ensembles will find this piece personally motivating to perform.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the string melody lines against the rock rhythm section with care; the cellist's solo passages should sing through clearly even when drums and bass are active.
- Lock the tempo with your rhythm section players before full rehearsal begins. The groove anchors everything else, so consistency there eliminates timing wobbles in the strings.
- Shape the Christmas carol quotations expressively without losing momentum. These familiar melodies are the emotional core, not background material.
- Experiment with dynamic contrast between the medley's quieter, reflective moments and its climactic peaks. The piece gains power through restraint as much as through volume.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for a winter concert that mixes classical and contemporary repertoire, or pair it with other Trans-Siberian Orchestra arrangements to create a full concert theme. The theatrical narrative and familiar Christmas elements make it an ideal closer or anchor piece for a program aimed at community audiences.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melody and accompaniment in rock-influenced ensemble contexts
- Reading compound rhythmic figures alongside steady rock grooves
- Shaping lyrical phrases while maintaining rhythmic precision
- Coordinating with a rhythm section (drums, bass, keyboard)
- Performing medley structures and key modulations