SNOW DANCE: Holiday Picks for Strings Thursday, October 16, 2025
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Snow Dance by Erica Donahoe, Grade 1.5
Great for wintertime concerts or throughout the year, this beautifully written new work by composer Erica Donahoe evokes the joy of twirling about as the first few flecks of snow start to dot the horizon. A nostalgic and fun new work for the developing string ensemble!
A Chanukah Medley arr. David Bobrowitz, Grade 3
This new, delightful, and playable medley features three well known Chanukah songs – “The Dreydle Song,” “Chanukah Chanukah,” and “Rock of Ages.” The opening should be at a relaxed, but fast tempo, (about quarter equals 106). Arranger Bobrowitz likes to be sure that all the instruments get to share important melodic material, so the high strings have it at 9, and the low strings at 17. A smooth transition, staying in tempo, takes us to the second selection Chanukah, Chanukah. Here the melody is passed from the high strings to the low strings and at 55, the pizzicato technique is introduced, giving the melody a new quality. The celli set the return to the final song which is back to arco for all. A relaxed moderate tempo, (quarter equals 78) should help keep the style broad and dramatic. Bar 91, is a reminder of the Chanukah, Chanukah song and serves as a fitting ending for this wonderful new winter selection!
Cellos on the Rooftop by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 1.5-2
Get ready to rock the holidays with “Cellos on the Rooftop,” an exciting intermediate piece featuring your lower strings! All players will enjoy slurring from F to F# to create a bluesy rock vibe, making it both fun and educational. Perfect for energizing your holiday concert, this arrangement of “Up on the Housetop” will have your orchestra and audience tapping their feet from start to finish!
Fiddle Holiday arr. Tyler Arcari, Grade 1
This toe-tapping frolic into the festive world of fiddle music is going to be a hit at your next Christmas concert! Full of recognizable tunes and infused with accessible fiddle figures, “Fiddle Holiday” is pure joy for the holidays!
Silent Nightfall by Caryn Neidhold Wiegand, Grade 2.5
Three Christmas classics are tenderly presented with an optional harp. “Silent Nightfall” by Caryn Wiegand Neidhold features “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” “Oh, Holy Night,” and ends with a tranquil rendition of “Silent Night,” allowing students to advance ensemble skills and perform in compound time.
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About the Author:
Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!