In the familiar tune Up on the Housetop, we hear "click, click, click" portraying the gentle touchdown of reindeer feet. But what if St. Nick had a canon on the housetop, and announced his arrival with a "click, click, boom!" instead? This arrangement includes Up on the Housetop and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, with hints of Pachelbel's Canon in D. Teachers may decide whether to present the canon along with a cannon, using optional bass drum and jingle bells sprinkled throughout! Students study contrasting articulations with staccato, legato, and accented bowings, as well as the contrasting dynamics of piano and forte. The allusion to the lyrical Pachelbel's Canon laid over the staccato Jolly Old Saint Nicholas provides for the study in stylistic contrast as well. |
