Carol of the Bells

arranged for adaptable, recorded percussion ensemble

Commissioned by: Nathan Huxtable for the Wheaton Warrenville South H.S. Front Ensemble

Work completed: August 2020

Number of players: Any

Duration: 1’30”

This arrangement of “Carol of the Bells” was originally commissioned for an ensemble of 5 members. Given the limitations of that player count combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided that this arrangement would be created for an adaptable, pre-recorded percussion ensemble. This not only provides flexibility when so many performances must happen virtually, but is an opportunity to integrate the recording arts into a well-rounded curriculum for percussionists, lending them real-world skills for the Internet/streaming-based music industry.

This can be approached in any number of ways. The intention for the commissioning ensemble was to record 5 tracks at a time in 3 total passes as a group (thus, this is how the score is laid out and parts are labelled). However, players may also record individually, or larger ensembles may record more tracks in each pass. Many parts are doubled to allow ease in the tracking process; this also means it’s not critical that all 15 parts are covered. The goal is that the director will mix-and-match this arrangement to whatever extent is appropriate.

The parts are generally easy in difficulty, with 4.3-octave marimbas, 3-octave vibraphones, and basic auxiliary percussion. The synth player in the commissioning ensemble was quite capable, so the piano and celeste parts are more advanced, and may of course be watered or split between the hands as necessary.

I am offering this arrangement for free - simply complete the form below, and a .ZIP file with all materials will begin downloading. I felt it important to provide this gift to the percussion community at a time when our lives are so unsteady, yet the nature of our art form is evolving more rapidly than ever to compensate. I know you’ve heard this a million times, but I mean it with every ounce of sincerity in my being - please be well in all your endeavors, now and always.