Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Randy Brooks / arr. Bob Cerulli
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PK-0004708
$51.00
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Description
This favorite holiday novelty song has been flavored with melodic quotes from other familiar tunes to add to the fun and lighthearted character of "Grandma." The quotes offer an opportunity to introduce new rhythms from familiar tunes.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts 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 Beginning String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
76
SKU:
00-PK-0004708
Instrumentation:
string w/ vln3, pno acc
More about this title
About the Composer: Randy Brooks
Randy Brooks has established himself as a prolific composer and arranger for popular and novelty music, bringing accessibility and humor to concert settings. His work focuses on creating engaging arrangements that honor the original character of songs while adding sophisticated musical details suitable for diverse performance levels.
Why we love this
Bob Cerulli's arrangement turns a novelty classic into a genuine teaching tool by weaving melodic quotations throughout the score. The 2.5 grade level makes this approachable for developing orchestras while the embedded musical references create genuine moments of discovery for players and audiences alike.
What to expect
A wink and a nudge wrapped in melodic charm. The piece maintains the affectionate absurdity of the original while adding layers of musical wit through its clever quotations, creating a performance that feels both irreverent and genuinely clever.
Who it's for
String orchestra directors seeking repertoire that engages both players and audiences with humor and musical substance. This works equally well for community orchestras, school winter concerts, and educational settings where students benefit from recognizing familiar melodies within a new arrangement.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the primary melody against the embedded quotations so both lines remain audible; this layering is what makes the arrangement distinctive, not an accident of orchestration.
- Establish a clear rhythmic framework in the rhythm section (pizzicato bass and piano) before layering in the melodic material; a steady foundation makes the satirical character land.
- Lean into the comedic timing of the novelty elements without rushing; let the humor breathe through deliberate phrasing in the string lines.
- Mark where the quotations from familiar tunes appear in parts so students can listen for them during rehearsal; this transforms passive playing into active musical listening.
How to use it
Program this as a palate cleanser in a winter concert, ideally paired with a mix of traditional holiday pieces and serious contemporary work. The novelty character and accessible grade level make it ideal for opening a second half or closing a program on a lighter note while still showcasing solid orchestral playing.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing rhythmic patterns associated with different melodic quotations
- Balancing multiple simultaneous melodic lines (main melody and embedded quotes)
- Interpreting musical humor and comedic timing through articulation and phrasing
- Listening for thematic relationships within an arrangement
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in pizzicato passages