Program notes
One of the most recognizable holiday tunes we hear these days is the Ukranian Bell Carol. There are
many adaptations available for string orchestra at a variety of difficulty levels.
This new arrangement is tailored for the first year students. It occurs in e minor with a few required
"Low 2" fingerings for 1st violins or 2nd finger for cello. Other than that, the students are only required
to be able to play one finger pattern. The rhythmic theme of quarter, eighth-eighth, quarter is used in the
introductory measures to create dramatic tension. The familiar tune begins at meas. 5 and builds in the
traditional manner until meas. 21. Here, instead of the familiar moving eighth note parts which usually
require a more sophisticated bowing, Ms. Monday has kept the arrangement more manageable by
slowing down the harmonic movement but increasing the rhythmic drive. Add a chime or triangle on the
repeat (strike on each downbeat) for a really exciting finish.
Students will be able to play this on their first holiday concert and it will be their favorite! =
About the Arranger
Deborah Baker Monday continues to teach in the award-winning Logan City orchestra program in
Logan, UT. Ms. Monday has been an active bass performer since she moved to Utah. During her tenure
at Logan she has pursued her interest in composition and arranging for educational strings. In Utah, she
and her husband, Bill, have raised four children.
Currently in demand as a string clinician, she has appeared at numerous state music conferences
throughout the U.S. as well as several national ASTA conventions and The Midwest Clinic. She is an
active guest conductor and adjudicator and has received awards and commissions for her work, making
her one of the leading contributors to the repertoire for young string players.
