Christmas Carols for Ukulele Orchestra: 12 Classic Carols for Three or More Ukuleles - Orchestral-style Parts featuring Tablature & Standard Notation
- Rhythm Parts with Strumming Indications & Lyrics
Author's note: I was inspired to create this book by a number of things; my love for the ukulele, the ukulele ensemble I lead in the heart of the Wasatch mountains (UFO HUM: Ukes for Others Happy Ukulele Movement), my experience as a composer and arranger, and not least, some great arrangements for ukulele ensemble that I've seen others do.
As I've used some of the arrangements made by others with my UFO HUM group, I've compiled a wish list of things I'd like to see in a book of this kind. For instance, tablature parts for those playing strictly instrumentals (we spend a lot of time in rehearsal just figuring out the best fingerings), a rhythm part that includes strum suggestions with the chords, and lyrics for those of us in the group who like to sing as well as play.
This book meets these qualifications for the most part. Carol of the Bells and Deck the Hall omit the lyrics for purely instrumental versions of these standbys. Deck the Hall and We Three Kings also omit a rhythm part with chords for reasons of complexity. All in all, I hope you enjoy my take, influenced largely by my college studies in 16th and 18th century counterpoint as a composition student, to be a lot of fun for you and your ukulele orchestra or ensemble!
Merry Christmas! M. Ryan Taylor Contents Note: This book is arranged ALPHABETICALLY, with the condensed orchestral-style score first, followed by the lyric/rhythm part, and then followed by the three tablature parts. I felt pagination would not be helpful for an ensemble, as each part is clearly marked and measure numbers are included throughout. - Away in a Manger
- Carol of the Bells
- Deck the Hall
- God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen
- Good King Wenceslas
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
- Jingle Bells
- Joy to the World
- Silent Night
- We Three Kings
- We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
- What Child is This?
Performance Notes While all the arrangements can be performed as written in the score and parts, I'm including some variations that you might consider based on the preferences of your ensemble. First of all, the 'Rhythm Ukulele' part (which contains the lyrics and vocal melody) can be omitted on all the arrangements if you only have three players. Alternately, the 'Ukulele 1' part usually sticks to the melody and can be omitted any time you'd like to sing the melody instead from the 'Rhythm Ukulele' part. Where and when you use the vocal lines are up to you, including the possibility of audience participation on one or more of the verses.
Other suggestions are specific to the individual carols are included in the book.
About the Author M. Ryan Taylor plays ukulele, tuba, piano and other things. He is the director of UFO HUM (Ukes for Others: Happy Ukulele Movement), a ukulele orchestra nestled in the heart of the Wasatch mountains. He graduated from college with degrees in vocal performance and musical composition and loves all kinds of music, from folk to classical, from jazz to pop. He is now the author of five books for ukulele, including this title, Christmas on 34th Street, The Two Chord Christmas Songbook, The Haunted Ukulele, and Two Chord Camp Songs for Ukulele (all available on Amazon).
Visit the author's website for more ukulele fun: UkulelePlay.com
