Christmas Cheer: Volume 3 Songbook

Light up your holiday season and delight audiences with ten thoughtfully arranged intermediate solos by Jennifer Eklund. Includes favorites like "Sleigh Ride," "Nut Rocker," "Where Are You Christmas?," and "Once Upon a December."

This post is part four of the Christmas Cheer Songbook Series.

Christmas Cheer: Volume 2 Songbook

Christmas Cheer: Volume 4 Songbook

See & Hear the Music:

Christmas Cheer: Volume 3

The Christmas Cheer Volume 3 collection features ten piano solo arrangements for intermediates and up by Jennifer Eklund. Includes pop holiday favorites like, "Sleigh Ride," "Nut Rocker," "Where Are You Christmas?" and "Once Upon a December."

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Christmas Cheer: Volume 3

The following ten songs are included in Christmas Cheer: Volume 3. These are all available as separate singles, but you get the most value by purchasing the whole collection. All of these arrangements are appropriate for intermediates and up!

🎹 Watch a performance of the entire collection:

🎹 Featured Favorite: “Nut Rocker”

Rockin’ out for the holidays!

“Nut Rocker” is an instrumental rock single originally recorded by American instrumental ensemble B. Bumble and the Stingers. Released in 1962, the song is an adaptation of the march from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet “The Nutcracker.” Produced by Kim Fowley, the recording features lively performances by session musicians including drummer Earl Palmer and guitarist René Hall. The song’s energetic and playful rock arrangement, with pianist Al Hazan stepping in for Ernie Freeman, propelled it to reach number 23 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and claim the top spot on the UK Singles Chart.

“Nut Rocker” has had enduring appeal, even being reissued and re-recorded by other artists. Progressive rock group Emerson, Lake & Palmer released a live version of “Nut Rocker” in 1972, adding their signature touch to the composition.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) also released their own version of “Nut Rocker.” TSO is known for their unique blend of rock music with orchestral and classical elements, and their rendition of “Nut Rocker” reflects this distinctive style. The TSO version appears on their album “Night Castle,” which was released in 2009.

🎹 Featured Favorite: “Where Are You Christmas?” (Faith Hill)

“Where Are You Christmas?” is a song performed by American country singer Faith Hill. The song was written by Mariah Carey, James Horner, and Will Jennings for the soundtrack of the 2000 film “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The song reflects on the feeling of losing the magic and wonder of Christmas as one grows older and searches for the sense of joy and innocence that the holiday season used to bring.

In the film, Taylor Momsen’s character, Cindy Lou Who, sings the song as she expresses her confusion about the changing spirit of Christmas. Faith Hill’s rendition of “Where Are You Christmas?” serves as a poignant and reflective ballad, capturing the emotional essence of the lyrics. The song’s themes of nostalgia, longing, and rediscovery resonate with listeners, making it a popular and touching addition to holiday music playlists. Faith Hill’s emotive vocals and the song’s heartfelt lyrics combine to create a meaningful reflection on the essence of the Christmas spirit and the journey to find it once again.

Where Are You Christmas? (Late Intermediate Piano)

Where Are You Christmas from the film "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" arranged for late intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

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🎹 Featured Favorite: “Sleigh Ride” (The Ronettes version)

“Sleigh Ride” is a festive and iconic orchestral composition written by Leroy Anderson. The piece was conceived during a heat wave in July 1946 and completed in February 1948. It was first performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler on June 7, 1948. Originally an instrumental, lyrics were added by Mitchell Parish in 1950 to convey the joy of a sleigh ride and other wintertime activities. The composition gained popularity with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra’s recording in 1949, becoming one of their signature songs.

The Ronettes, a renowned American girl group, covered “Sleigh Ride” in 1963 under the production of Phil Spector. Their rendition is one of the most beloved versions of the song, prominently featuring background vocals singing “Ring-a-ling-a-ling, ding-dong-ding” and incorporating the sounds of horse clip-clopping and whinnying at the beginning and end. While “Sleigh Ride” is often associated with Christmas, the lyrics do not explicitly mention the holiday. Despite this, it has become a staple of holiday music playlists and compilation albums. The song’s popularity remains consistent, ranking among the top-performed pieces by ASCAP members, and the Ronettes’ version continues to chart on holiday music charts, demonstrating its enduring appeal.