Festive Strings for Ensemble: Viola Ensemble

Joanne Martin understands what viola ensembles actually need: accessible keys that don't demand excessive position work, melodies familiar enough that students hear immediate results, and arrangements that let you combine different ability levels in a single rehearsal. The inclusion of both Jingle Bells versions (D and A major) gives you real flexibility for mixed-level sections.

These arrangements breathe warmth without sentimentality. The familiar melodies ground the players while the string voicings add brightness and depth, creating a sound that feels both intimate and full. Even at modest tempos, the collection has genuine festive energy.

Viola teachers managing ensembles with mixed reading levels, from Suzuki-trained students to early band program members. String program directors looking for winter concert material that doesn't require extensive rehearsal time or high technical demands, yet still feels like genuine performance rather than filler.

• Start rehearsals by singing through the melodies unaccompanied so students own the tune before they read notation; this builds confidence in less experienced players.
• Use the key choices strategically. Assign D major versions to developing readers and reserve the A major arrangements for more secure groups, or mix them within sections to create natural pairings.
• Balance the texture by having some violas double on the melody while others voice the harmony; this prevents parts from disappearing and keeps younger players engaged.
• Layer in the Chanukah and S'Vivon selections to create cultural programming depth beyond the standard Christmas material.

Open a winter concert with three or four selections from the collection as a prelude set, building audience comfort before moving into more complex repertoire. The Chanukah selections work particularly well when programmed intentionally rather than as afterthoughts, signaling that your winter calendar honors multiple traditions.

• Reading in accessible keys without excessive position shifts
• Balancing ensemble sound between melody and harmony voices
• Maintaining steady tempo through varied musical phrases
• Responding to directorial cues in multi-part textures
• Sustaining tone quality across longer melodic lines