Ho Ho Hoedown: Violoncello
Ho Ho Hoedown: Violoncello Sheet Music Preview

Ho Ho Hoedown: Violoncello

By David Shaffer

Grade: 2

Item: 98-PC-DST6069_VC1
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Description
Jingle Bells with a western flair? You bet! The parallel fourths in the first measure immediately signal the beginning of this holiday hoedown. An inventive middle section gives a select group of students (or the entire orchestra!) the opportunity to "call the square dance." Exciting and entertaining on every level, it's time to "Swing ol' Santa 'round and 'round!"

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Additional Details
Series: FJH Developing Strings
Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU: 98-PC-DST6069_VC1

More about this title

About the Composer: David Shaffer

David Shaffer has built a reputation as a composer and arranger who understands what works in the developing string orchestra classroom. His catalog spans holiday favorites, folk-inspired pieces, and original compositions that balance musical substance with genuine fun for young players.

Why we love this

Shaffer takes a melody everyone knows and completely reinvents it through orchestration and harmonic language. The parallel fourths catch players' attention from the downbeat, while the square dance section transforms a small group of strings into storytellers, giving soloists a genuine moment to shine without sacrificing the ensemble's engagement.

What to expect

Infectious and playful. The western harmony and rhythm create a toe-tapping, dance-hall atmosphere that makes young musicians want to move. There's a spirited confidence in Shaffer's orchestration that lifts the energy of the entire room.

Who it's for

String orchestras at the Grade 2 level looking for a holiday piece that feels fresh and interactive. This works equally well for festival competition or a winter concert that needs genuine entertainment value alongside solid musicianship.

How to get the most out of it

  • Nail the rhythm of those opening fourths cleanly; this interval sets the western tone immediately and cues the audience that this isn't a standard arrangement.
  • Let the square dance call feel natural and conversational. It's a moment for personality, not precision perfection, so encourage soloists to shape their phrasing expressively.
  • Balance the rhythmic drive underneath the melody so the calls remain the focal point. The accompaniment should lock in but stay transparent.
  • Build momentum into the final section with gradually increased bow pressure and articulation; 'Swing ol' Santa 'round and 'round' deserves full energy.

How to use it

Place this in the second half of a holiday concert where audiences are warmed up and ready for something fun. The novelty of the square dance section and the familiar melody make it an excellent audience engagement piece, especially when you can invite a few students or even audience members to call the dance.

Skills your students will build

  • Playing parallel fourths with intonation and balance
  • Maintaining rhythmic precision against an active accompaniment
  • Shaping melodic lines with expressive phrasing and nuance
  • Listening to ensemble blend while leading or accompanying a solo section

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