Mele Kalikimaka: String Orchestra Conductor Score

$9.00 USD

Mele Kalikimaka: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Name: Mele Kalikimaka: String Orchestra Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-46695S
Price: 9.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Hawaiian Merry Christmas

Words and music by R. Alex Anderson / arr. Jan Farrar-Royce

Grade: 2

Item: 00-46695S

$9.00

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"Mele Kalikimaka," the closest approximation of saying "Merry Christmas" that there is in the Hawaiian language, was written in 1949 and recorded by Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters in 1950. This first rendition of the tune is still popular today and many of your students and audience members will recognize it with delight! It is almost impossible not to sing the syncopated title phrase and beginning it on an up-bow helps create accents and fun! The accidentals are all familiar ones that give the piece color and interesting parts. Every section has their own entrances and gets a chance to play the main melodies and important supporting parts. "Mele Kalikimaka," arranged by Jan Farrar-Royce, is a fun and musically educational way to celebrate the holiday season!

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Series: Pop Intermediate String Orchestra

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081535371

SKU: 00-46695S

More about this title

About the Composer: R. Alex Anderson

R. Alex Anderson composed "Mele Kalikimaka" in 1949, creating one of the most enduring Hawaiian Christmas songs in popular music. His work bridged the gap between traditional Hawaiian music and American popular song, introducing audiences worldwide to the warmth and distinctive character of Hawaiian language and melody.

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Why we love this

Jan Farrar-Royce's arrangement captures the infectious joy of the original recording while giving every string section meaningful material. Grade 2 students get authentic syncopated rhythms and layered parts that teach ensemble balance without overwhelming them, and audiences recognize the tune immediately, making this a crowd-pleaser that earns genuine applause.

What to expect

Warm, syncopated, and immediately recognizable, this arrangement carries the breezy optimism of the 1950 recording while maintaining musical substance throughout. The familiar melodic hooks sit comfortably alongside interesting harmonic color created by carefully chosen accidentals.

Who it's for

Grade 2 string orchestras looking for a recognized holiday selection that includes solid musical content beyond novelty value. Directors seeking a piece that gives every section genuine melodic responsibility rather than relegating parts to accompaniment will find this especially rewarding.

How to get the most out of it

Begin the syncopated title phrase on an up-bow to create natural accents and bring out the rhythmic energy that makes this tune so memorable.
Balance the main melody against supporting parts carefully; each section rotates through primary and secondary roles, so every player needs to understand when to anchor the texture and when to sit back.
Maintain steady rhythmic precision in the syncopated figures; slight rushing will blur the clever accents that make this arrangement swing.

How to use it

Position this as a centerpiece in a holiday concert pops segment, pairing it with other seasonal selections that vary in mood and style. The piece's moderate length and accessibility make it ideal for programming early to mid-season, giving students time to absorb the rhythmic style without pressure.