What Child Is This? (arr. Fred Sokolow): Ukulele

Sokolow's take on this beloved carol respects the melody's strength while crafting fingerings and voicings that sit naturally on the ukulele. Three pages is just enough space to develop the arrangement without overwhelming students still building their technique.

Tender and contemplative, grounded in the timeless melody that carries centuries of tradition. The arrangement invites performers to find their own emotional entry point while remaining faithful to the carol's quiet reverence.

Students with basic to intermediate ukulele skills who are ready to explore sacred music beyond simple strumming patterns. This works equally well for ensemble contexts where ukuleles accompany singers or as a solo piece for winter concerts.

• Shape the melody with consistent dynamics rather than playing it metronomically; the carol's storytelling quality emerges when you let the line breathe.
• Establish the harmonic foundation clearly in the first playing so accompanists know where to anchor themselves.
• Balance speed with clarity in runs or passages that move quickly; rushing betrays the arrangement's reverent character.
• Let the final cadence settle without rushing into silence; give listeners a moment to sit with the resolution.

Pair this with other carol arrangements across different instrumentation for a thematic concert segment, or feature it as a solo during a holiday program to showcase string work alongside vocal performances. It also serves as a rewarding study piece for students transitioning from folk repertoire into classical sacred music.

• Voicing chords with open strings and fretted notes
• Sustaining legato lines while maintaining rhythmic precision
• Reading chord symbols and realizing arrangements on fretted instruments
• Balancing melodic clarity with harmonic support