Ultimate Christmas Instrumental Solos for Strings Cover Image

Ultimate Christmas Instrumental Solos for Strings: Viola Book & CD

$16.99 USD
Sale price  $16.99 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
Ultimate Christmas Instrumental Solos for Strings Cover Image

Ultimate Christmas Instrumental Solos for Strings: Viola Book & CD

Arr. various, ed. Bill Galliford

Level: 2--3

Item: 00-41518

$16.99
Shipped

One moment…

Description
Alfred Music's Ultimate Christmas Instrumental Solos series offers a versatile selection of Christmas music for flute, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, horn in F, trombone, violin, viola, and cello. Each book contains carefully edited arrangements appropriate to each instrument, and well suited for level 2-3 students. Popular carols are presented both individually and in medleys and suites. "Celebration Medley" includes the cheerful classics "Hallelujah Chorus" and "Joy to the World." "Manger Medley" incorporates unique arrangements of "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night." And "Carol Medley" features songs great for caroling, such as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "The First Noel." Suites include "Themes from The Nutcracker Suite," which showcases the famous "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy" and "March"; and "Folk Carol Suite," which contains the well-known "Coventry Carol (Lullay, Thou Little Tiny Child)." These suites are especially adaptable, with movements or themes that can be played consecutively, as one large piece, or on their own---each section is conveniently printed on a single page and has its own separate track on the provided MP3 CD. The CD includes a fully orchestrated DEMO track of each song, which features a live instrumental solo performance, followed by a PLAY-ALONG track. Also included are PDFs of piano accompaniments, and Alfred's Tempo Changer Software.

Titles: A Holly Jolly Christmas * Believe (from The Polar Express) * Blue Christmas * Celebration Medley (Hallelujah Chorus * Joy to the World) * Do They Know It's Christmas? (Feed the World) * Feliz Navidad * Frosty the Snowman * Gesu Bambino * Happy Xmas (War Is Over) * Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas * I'll Be Home for Christmas * Infant Holy, Infant Lowly * It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year * Jingle Bell Rock * Jingle Bells * Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! * The Little Drummer Boy * Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming * O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum) * O Holy Night * Mary Did You Know? * My Grown-Up Christmas List * Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree * Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer * Sleigh Ride * Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town * We Wish You a Merry Christmas * Ukrainian Carol * Winter Wonderland * You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch * Themes from The Nutcracker Suite (Overture * March * Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy * Russian Dance (Trepak) * Waltz of the Flowers) * Angels Medley (Angels from the Realms of Glory * Angels We Have Heard on High) * Folk Carol Suite (I. Noël Nouvelet * II. Masters in This Hall * III. Coventry Carol (Lullay, Thou Little Tiny Child) * IV. O Du Fröhliche/Echo Carol) * Carol Medley (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing * O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) * The First Noel) * Manger Medley (Away in a Manger (Cradle Song) * Away in a Manger * Silent Night).

Ultimate Christmas Instrumental Solos for Strings: Viola Book & CD isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Pages

Sample Audio
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Ultimate Instrumental Solos Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 60
ISBN10: 0-7390-9917-5
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-9917-9
UPC: 038081463797
SKU: 00-41518
Instrumentation: Viola

More about this title

Why we love this

The modular design lets you program flexibly: perform individual carols for shorter rehearsals, string movements together as substantial concert pieces, or mix and match across medleys depending on what your ensemble needs. The inclusion of both demo and play-along tracks means violists can prepare independently without needing a pianist, which removes a real scheduling barrier during the holiday season.

What to expect

Accessible warmth meets festive energy. These arrangements honor the melodies every listener recognizes while keeping viola writing singable and lyrical, never buried or overshadowed. The orchestrated accompaniments create a sense of occasion without requiring a full band or orchestra.

Who it's for

Violists in grades 2-3 who are building confidence reading standard positions and a growing vibrato control. This book works equally well in ensemble rehearsals, private lesson progressions, or as solo recital material during the winter calendar.

How to get the most out of it

  • Listen to the demo track first to absorb phrasing and articulation choices before moving to the play-along; the orchestration models how individual lines sit in the fuller texture.
  • When performing medleys, pay close attention to the page breaks and track separation. Each movement is self-contained, so use those natural transitions to reset your breath and approach.
  • Balance your tone against the recorded accompaniment by starting well below what feels natural, then gradually matching the energy you hear. The backing tracks are substantial and demand a confident, present sound.

How to use it

String soloists thrive performing these pieces in holiday concerts or winter assemblies alongside ensemble repertoire. The suites based on The Nutcracker and folk carols can anchor a 20-minute holiday performance on their own, while individual carols pair well as curtain-raisers or interludes in larger school events.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading sustained melodic lines in first and second position
  • Balancing tone and intonation over recorded accompaniment
  • Managing tempo consistency through multi-section medleys and suites
  • Shaping phrase direction and vibrato in familiar melodies
  • Responding to stylistic shifts between sacred carols and secular arrangements

You May Also Like