Mele Kalikimaka, the closest approximation of saying Merry Christmas that there is in the Hawaiian language, was written in 1949 and recorded by Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters in 1950. This first rendition of the tune is still popular today and many of your students and audience members will recognise it with delight! It is almost impossible not to sing the syncopated title phrase and beginning it on an up-bow helps create accents and fun! The accidentals are all familiar ones that give the piece colour and interesting parts. Every section has their own entrances and gets a chance to play the main melodies and important supporting parts. Mele Kalikimaka, arranged by Jan Farrar-Royce, is a fun and musically educational way to celebrate the holiday season!
