Classics for a Christmas Pops, Level 2: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Warm, familiar holiday warmth layered with bright orchestral color. These arrangements lean into the conversational ease of the standards themselves, letting students focus on ensemble blend rather than technical struggle.

String orchestras in Grades 2-3 looking to expand their holiday concert offerings without excess cost. This works equally well for full-year orchestras and seasonal programs focused on winter repertoire.

• Balance the melody line across your first violins and violas; these pieces work best when the tune sits clearly above the accompaniment texture.
• Establish a steady, relaxed tempo for the slower sections. Grade 2 ensembles often rush through holiday pacing, so conduct with a clear pulse.
• Use your conductor score to cue entrances in the transition passages between pieces, especially if you're programming them consecutively in one concert.

Use individually as filler pieces between larger works or program all three consecutively as a holiday medley segment. This collection sits perfectly as a second-half encore block after a classical or contemporary opening set.

• Balancing melody and harmonic accompaniment in orchestral texture
• Reading and performing at a moderate tempo with rhythmic stability
• Ensemble intonation in Grade 2 string voicings