Sensational Solos! Popular Christmas, Violin: Violin Book

Balmages and Fraley have arranged Christmas standards that actually sound orchestrated, not stripped down. The variety of accompaniment styles—from traditional orchestra to jazz combo to rock band—keeps the collection fresh and gives students different musical contexts to navigate within a single book.

This collection brings the magic of a full studio recording into your practice space. Each tune arrives with rich, detailed accompaniments that respond to your playing, making the familiar Christmas standards feel new and cinematic rather than recycled.

Intermediate violinists (Grade 3) who want to experience ensemble playing without needing a full band or orchestra. Students preparing solo repertoire for winter concerts or recitals will find professional-quality accompaniments that make them sound polished and performance-ready.

• Listen to the demo track first to hear how the arrangement sits stylistically; some tracks emphasize classical warmth while others lean contemporary or jazzy, so your tone color should shift accordingly.
• Lock into the rhythm section early, especially in rock and jazz accompaniments where the groove carries the arrangement; don't rush ahead of the track.
• Use the play-along track to build confidence before performing with an audience; the background recordings are detailed enough that you'll hear exactly where you fit in the texture.
• Pay attention to the accompaniment style cues in your part; if the track shifts from orchestral strings to electric guitar, your articulation and vibrato can mirror that character change.

Feature one or two solos on a winter concert with the accompaniment tracks backing you up; audiences respond well to the orchestral and band arrangements. The varied styles also work beautifully as a holiday assembly program or as standalone recital pieces throughout the season.

• Playing against recorded accompaniments at different tempos
• Maintaining musical phrasing with non-human accompaniment
• Stylistic flexibility across classical, jazz, and rock idioms
• Intonation and ensemble balance with invisible partners
• Confidence in solo performance with professional-quality sound support