Countdown to Christmas

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Percussion, Wood Block, Sleigh Bells, Piano — Countdown to Christmas is a very easy medley arranged to accommodate the skills of a beginning string ensemble. The medley can be performed as written, or the carols can be played one or two at a time. The percussion part is optional.Jolly Old St. Nicholas and Good King Wenceslasxa0are in the key of G Major.xa0Jingle Bells is in the key of D major, but it contains no C-sharps.Stylistically, the ensemble should be able to perform the following:1.xa0Forte andxa0mezzo-forte2. Quarter notes at or near 120 beats per minute3. Accents4.xa0PizzicatoThe direction to keep the bow on the string at m. 64 is a suggestion. It is not written in the parts. The "tick tock" sound in the optional percussion part will be best achieved with the use of two woodblocks of different sizes or two temple blocks. Obtaining the "tick-tock" sound with one woodblock is difficult, especially for a beginner. Use as many sleigh bells as possible to achieve an even more festive sound.Thank you for choosing this arrangement. I hope you and your students find it enjoyable. Your comments are most welcome.