Jingle Bells Theme and Variation (Concert Orchestra)

*If you are in Chamber Orchestra, your assignment is to write Good King Wenceslas.  See Flat.io for details.

James Pierpont (1822-1893) performed Jingle Bells for the first time in 1857 for a Thanksgiving program at the large Boston church where he taught Sunday School, and performed it again at Christmastime. It is reported that Pierpont actually wrote the song in 1850, and the original title was "One Horse Open Sleigh." It was published under that title in September 1857, selling for 25 cents per copy. It was published under the title "Jingle Bells" in 1859.

This was the first well-known American secular carol, however, the song did not acquire widespread popularity until the 20th century. The ironic aspect about this song becoming a favorite Christmas song is that there are no specific references to Christmas in its lyrics.

PART 1: Theme - Due November 17
In Flat, write out the theme for Jingle Bells for your instrument.  It should be 16 measures.

        The piece is in D Major; (5 points)

        The time signature is 4/4; (5 points)

        The piece should begin on the 3^rd note of the key. (5 points)

        The theme consists of quarter notes and half notes. (5 points)

        

PART 2: Waltz Variation - Due November 22
In Flat, write out a waltz variation for Jingle Bells for your instrument.

        The key signature can stay the same, or change to a minor key. (10 points)

        The time signature must be changed to 6/8 or 3/4. (10 points)

        You can use any combination of notes and rests. (10 points)

PART 3: MP3 Performance

For this part, you must record your Theme & Variation in GarageBand (25 points)

TOTAL SCORE: _______

DUE: Thursday, December 1, 2016