Christmas Troika: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By James Curnow
Grade: 2-3
Item: 35-PK00116930
$40.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Troika - Full Score | $6.00 | |
| Christmas Troika - Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| Christmas Troika - Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| Christmas Troika - Violin 3 (Viola Treble Clef) | $7.00 | |
| Christmas Troika - Viola | $7.00 | |
| Christmas Troika - Cello | $7.00 | |
| Christmas Troika - Bass | $7.00 | |
| Christmas Troika - Piano | $7.00 | |
| Christmas Troika - Percussion 1 | $7.00 | |
| Christmas Troika - Percussion 2 | $7.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Here's a lighthearted original piece from veteran composer James Curnow that is perfect for a holiday string program. James' simple, tuneful melody is backed by fresh, contemporary harmony and sleigh bells, creating a wonderful holiday spirit. Dur: 2:15
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00116930
More about this title
About the Composer: James Curnow
James Curnow has spent decades writing accessible, musically satisfying works for school ensembles across all instruments. His output spans winds, percussion, and strings, and he has consistently prioritized clear melodic writing paired with contemporary harmonic language that engages both players and audiences.
Curnow understands the realities of school music programs. His pieces are crafted to be playable at stated levels without sacrificing musical integrity, a quality that has made his catalog a staple in festival seasons and concert programs nationwide.
Why we love this
Curnow delivers genuine melodic charm here without relying on arrangements of standard carols. The original tune sits comfortably for string players at this level, and the contemporary harmonic backdrop keeps the piece from feeling quaint. Sleigh bells add textural interest without complicating the part writing, making this a festive closer that audiences recognize as substantial rather than filler.
What to expect
A crisp winter journey rendered in contemporary colors. The piece has momentum and lightness, with sleigh bells catching the light and the melody cutting through clean string textures. It feels intentional and composed rather than borrowed.
Who it's for
String orchestras in Grades 2 and 3 looking for original holiday material that plays straight without condescension. This works for programs comfortable with contemporary harmonic language at the elementary level, or for directors who want to program something other than the standard carol arrangements.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody across your first violins without letting them pull away from the ensemble. A Grade 2 piece can still lack cohesion if the tune dominates the texture.
- Articulate the rhythmic accompaniment figures clearly. Crisp bow work in the lower strings will define the "troika" character Curnow is after.
- Layer the sleigh bell entrance carefully. It should enhance the holiday color, not upend the ensemble blend you've already established.
- Shape the melodic phrases with subtle rubato in the final section. Contemporary harmony can absorb slight tempo flexibility without sounding precious.
How to use it
Reserve this for a holiday concert finale that pairs well with either a contrasting traditional arrangement earlier in the program or a full run of original contemporary works. At just over two minutes, it works as a strategic opening number when you want strings to establish the concert's musical personality immediately.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in syncopated accompaniment figures
- Balancing a clear melody line within fuller ensemble texture
- Responding to contemporary harmonic language with confident intonation
- Executing articulation variety across bow changes
- Coordinating with auxiliary percussion (sleigh bells) while sustaining string focus