The Bells Of Christmas: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Arranged by Larry Moore
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK01413184
$40.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| The Bells Of Christmas - Full Score | $6.00 | |
| The Bells Of Christmas - Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| The Bells Of Christmas - Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| The Bells Of Christmas - Violin 3 (Viola Treble Clef) | $7.00 | |
| The Bells Of Christmas - Viola | $7.00 | |
| The Bells Of Christmas - Cello | $7.00 | |
| The Bells Of Christmas - String Bass | $7.00 | |
| The Bells Of Christmas - Piano | $7.00 | |
| The Bells Of Christmas - Percussion 1 | $7.00 | |
| The Bells Of Christmas - Percussion 2 | $7.00 |
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Description
Using the favorite holiday carol "Silver Bells" as its centerpiece, here is a collage of "bell" tunes and effects, woven into a solid, accessible medley for developing string ensembles. Also includes "Ukrainian Bell Carol" and "Jingle Bells".
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01413184
More about this title
Why we love this
Larry Moore constructs this medley with real care for ensemble balance, layering three beloved carols into a coherent whole rather than simply stringing them together. Grade 2 orchestras often struggle with holiday repertoire that feels either too thin or too demanding; this arrangement splits the difference perfectly, giving every section meaningful material without requiring advanced technique.
What to expect
Warmth and familiarity wrapped in playfulness. The arrangement honors the quiet beauty of "Silver Bells" while letting students enjoy the brightness and motion of the other carols. You'll feel the holiday spirit genuine, not cloying.
Who it's for
Developing string orchestras in their second or third year of ensemble playing. This works equally well for schools building a holiday concert from scratch or directors looking to expand beyond the standard Nutcracker excerpts.
How to get the most out of it
- Bring out the melody in the first violin when "Silver Bells" enters; this tune carries the emotional weight of the entire medley, so make sure it sings over the accompaniment.
- The bell effects mentioned in the description work best when your players commit to the articulation markings. Clean, crisp attacks on those special sounds will make the holiday character shine.
- Balance the transition into "Ukrainian Bell Carol" by lifting slightly in volume and character; it has a different energy than "Silver Bells," and marking that shift helps the audience follow the journey.
- Let "Jingle Bells" breathe. Resist the urge to rush; a steady tempo with confident ensemble playing will land the fun better than a faster pace with uneven attacks.
How to use it
Position this as a centerpiece for a winter concert, sandwiched between a serious opening work and a lighter closer. It also pairs naturally with a full orchestra if you have mixed ensembles performing the same program. The medley format makes it substantial enough to stand alone as your holiday showcase without running long.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained melodic playing with phrase shaping in contrasting tempos
- Accompanying work (reinforcing the second violin and viola support roles)
- Quick stylistic shifts (lyrical to rhythmic to playful)
- Clean articulation and ensemble precision during ornamentation and special effects
- Balance between melody and harmony across a three-part medley structure