Little Saint Nick: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Mike Love / By Brian Wilson / As performed by The Beach Boys / Arranged by Larry Moore
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00157524
$40.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Little Saint Nick - Full Score | $6.00 | |
| Little Saint Nick - Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| Little Saint Nick - Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| Little Saint Nick - Violin 3 (Viola Treble Clef) | $7.00 | |
| Little Saint Nick - Viola | $7.00 | |
| Little Saint Nick - Cello | $7.00 | |
| Little Saint Nick - Bass | $7.00 | |
| Little Saint Nick - Piano | $7.00 | |
| Little Saint Nick - Percussion 1 | $7.00 | |
| Little Saint Nick - Percussion 2 | $7.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Recorded by the Beach Boys, this enjoyable swing tune certainly has that "surfer" sound and will add a nice touch for the Christmas season. Larry Moore's arrangement is nicely scored with the melody traded between sections. Dur: 1:50
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00157524
More about this title
About the Composer: Mike Love
Mike Love co-founded The Beach Boys and shaped the band's sound as a vocalist, lyricist, and creative force for over six decades. His gift for crafting memorable melodies and witty, accessible lyrics made him central to the group's identity, from their early surf rock hits to their more experimental later work. Love's songwriting demonstrates how pop music can be both commercially successful and musically sophisticated, a lesson that resonates strongly in music education.
Why we love this
Larry Moore's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without overwhelming young string players. The melody trading between sections keeps every player engaged while the Grade 2 scoring remains genuinely playable, and the swing feel provides a refreshing alternative to traditional holiday fare that your students will actually enjoy learning.
What to expect
Bright, warm, and undeniably fun. The swing groove brings a summery lightness to the winter season, while the familiar melody makes the piece instantly recognizable to audiences of all ages. There's a casual confidence in the orchestration that feels both polished and relaxed.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the early intermediate level benefit from this arrangement's straightforward playability and immediate musicality. Holiday concerts need pieces that engage audiences while remaining achievable in rehearsal, and this delivers on both counts.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the swing subdivision clearly before rehearsal begins. Have students tap the rhythm on their strings while you conduct to anchor the feel before they add pitch.
- Balance the melody as it trades between sections by adjusting dynamic markings slightly. When violas carry the tune, they often need reinforcement to project over the harmonic accompaniment.
- Keep the tempo buoyant but not rushed. The 1:50 duration suggests a moderate swing tempo that allows clean articulation without sacrificing the casual, breezy character.
- Shape the phrasing to emphasize the Beach Boys' vocal inflections. Listen to a recording together and discuss where the melody breathes and bounces.
How to use it
Pair this with more traditional holiday selections to create contrast and energy in your winter concert. It works particularly well as a second-half opener, lifting the mood after a serious opening piece, or as a finale that sends the audience out smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Swing articulation and rhythmic feel
- Melodic phrasing across different string sections
- Dynamic balance when melody moves between parts
- Quick ensemble coordination within a familiar pop context