Join in a vibrant celebration of Hanukkah! Colorful, lush harmonies give way to a rousing, lively dance sure to get the audience to its feet! "Ner Li" (I have a candle), "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah," and "Hava Nagila" (Let us rejoice) blend together into a musical tapestry embodying the joy and rich traditions of the holiday. Invite your audience to Light The Menorah at your next winter concert!
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VanDoren's orchestration respects the melodic integrity of three beloved Hanukkah themes while giving each one breathing room and distinctive color. The arrangement moves seamlessly between introspective, harmonically rich passages and the infectious energy of "Hava Nagila," creating a piece that feels substantial without demanding virtuosic chops from your ensemble.
What to expect
The piece opens with warmth and reflection, inviting the listener into intimate moments before building to joyful exuberance. By the final section, the ensemble is locked into the rhythmic drive of "Hava Nagila," creating an infectious celebration that resonates long after the final chord.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 4 level seeking authentic holiday programming beyond the familiar. This arrangement works equally well for winter concerts anchored by Hanukkah traditions and for multicultural programming that celebrates Jewish musical heritage.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the lush harmonic voicing in the opening sections by having inner voices play with confidence; these are not filler lines but essential to the tapestry VanDoren has woven.
Shape the transition into the "Hava Nagila" section with a slight lift in tempo to build momentum naturally rather than jarring the audience.
Highlight the distinctive orchestration color shifts between themes by allowing solo voices (especially woodwind families) to project when featured, then blend back into the full ensemble texture.
How to use it
Position this as the centerpiece of a winter holiday concert, allowing it to stand alone as a substantive work rather than filler. It pairs well with secular holiday selections and can anchor a segment celebrating diverse cultural traditions within a single concert.
Skills your students will build
Balancing inner-voice clarity with overall ensemble blend
Executing smooth key and thematic transitions
Controlling tempo and phrasing across contrasting sections
Interpreting folk melody with modern harmonic language
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