Mele Kalikimaka: Score
Words and music by R. Alex Anderson / arr. Jason Scott
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0004753
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Description
A bright salute to Christmas from our fiftieth state! Created with younger players in mind, this setting captures all of the fun and happy island feelings with its colorful scoring. The delightful, catchy tune presents a highly entertaining experience for audiences and a unique selection for any December concert. A holiday classic with a multicultural flair! (1:30)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Mele Kalikimaka: 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:
Pop Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
122
SKU:
00-PR-0004753
More about this title
About the Composer: R. Alex Anderson
R. Alex Anderson (1917-1994) was a prolific Hawaiian composer and musician who became one of the islands' most celebrated cultural ambassadors. Anderson wrote "Mele Kalikimaka" in 1950, and the song has since become synonymous with Hawaiian Christmas traditions, recorded by artists from Bing Crosby to contemporary musicians.
For music educators, Anderson's work represents an accessible entry point into Hawaiian musical traditions and the broader landscape of American regional music. His melodies are singable and memorable, making his compositions especially valuable for younger ensembles seeking culturally authentic material.
Why we love this
Wagner's Grade 2 arrangement strips away nothing essential; this scoring actually enhances the tune's charm by letting younger players carry the melody clearly while still delivering the warmth and color that made the original a standard. Programming it offers your December concert genuine cultural representation rather than relying on the same evergreen arrangements your audiences hear elsewhere.
What to expect
Warm, uplifting, and genuinely joyful without a hint of saccharine. The colorful orchestration evokes sunny island breezes and relaxed good humor; there's a lightness here that invites both players and audiences to smile.
Who it's for
This arrangement serves Grade 2 concert bands and younger intermediate ensembles seeking a full-length holiday selection with genuine melodic appeal and cultural substance. It works equally well for players still developing ensemble balance and those ready to explore music beyond the standard Christmas canon.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody line so the infectious hook cuts through without overwhelming the harmony parts; at this level, players often compensate for ensemble uncertainty by playing louder rather than more confidently.
- Shape the phrasing in four-bar units to match the song's natural structure, helping younger ensembles internalize the form and creating a sense of forward motion across the 1:30 duration.
- Bring out percussion color touches thoughtfully. Lighter mallets on pitched percussion and restrained cymbal work preserve the 'bright' and 'fun' qualities described without muddying the texture.
How to use it
Position this as your anchor holiday selection, or pair it with one traditional carol and one secular winter piece to create a balanced three-song concert segment. The multicultural flavor and accessible Grade 2 level make it equally effective as a standalone feature or a conversation-starter about holiday traditions beyond the Western European repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining lyrical phrasing in four-bar phrases
- Playing melody with confidence and projection while supporting section balance
- Responding to stylistic color cues (light mallets, dynamic control for character)
- Recognizing and performing Hawaiian musical traditions authentically