Holiday Sing-Along: Score
Featuring: Jingle Bells / Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Arr. Michael Story and Robert W. Smith
Grade: 0.5 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0002164
$10.00
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Description
Offered both "Jingle Bells" and "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," your beginners will delight at being able to play these recognizable holiday tunes with only a few weeks of instruction. Perfect for performance in conjunction with Band Expressions Book One or virtually any beginning band method (1:25)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Holiday Sing-Along: Score 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:
Band Expressions
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
190
SKU:
00-PR-0002164
More about this title
About the Arranger: Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith has established himself as a defining voice in American concert band literature, with over 400 published works performed internationally. His education includes a Bachelor of Music Education from Troy State University and a Master of Music from the University of Miami. Smith's compositional range spans symphonic works like The Divine Comedy and The Odyssey to accessible pieces for developing ensembles, many of which have become core repertoire in band programs.
Beyond the concert hall, Smith's music has reached audiences through television broadcasts, ceremonial performances, and major cultural events including the Olympic Games and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. His work as a conductor and clinician has taken him across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, where he continues to influence young musicians and established ensembles alike.
Why we love this
Two immediately recognizable melodies arrive at a difficulty level that genuinely matches beginning band students after just a few weeks of playing. The writing respects what young musicians can actually execute while preserving the charm and energy of these classics, making performance feel achievable rather than aspirational.
What to expect
These are bright, straightforward treatments of beloved holiday melodies. Each arrangement captures the directness and warmth of the originals without unnecessary complexity, creating the musical equivalent of walking into a warm room filled with familiar faces.
Who it's for
Beginning band students who have completed their first few weeks of instruction and need material that bridges method book exercises to recognizable musical performance. Directors seeking accessible material to build student confidence and engagement during the winter concert season will find these arrangements straightforward to prepare and satisfying to perform.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody with a slight push through the strongest beats of each phrase; these tunes thrive on forward motion and joy rather than metrical precision.
- Balance the tutti sections so the melody sings through the accompaniment. Beginners often play everything equally loud, so mark dynamic targets in the score before rehearsal.
- Take the tempo at a pace where each section can articulate cleanly. Rushing these tunes robs them of their character; a relaxed, confident tempo sounds more polished than a hurried one.
How to use it
Pair these with your beginning band method material as a complementary performance opportunity, or feature them as a standalone winter concert opener that immediately establishes audience connection. They work equally well in school assemblies, holiday celebrations, or community events where accessible, joyful music serves the occasion better than technically demanding fare.
Skills your students will build
- Playing recognizable melodies with accuracy in the first month of band study
- Balancing individual parts within an ensemble texture
- Sustaining steady tempo and articulation across repeated phrases
- Interpreting dynamic markings to shape a complete musical phrase