Details
- Instrument:
- Cello Double Bass Drum Set Percussion Piano Alto Saxophone Viola Violin
- Ensembles:
- Large Ensemble
- Composers:
- Kacey Musgraves
- Publishers:
- Scores by Ken
- Format:
- Score and Parts
- Item types:
- Digital
- Level:
- Late Intermediate
- Artist:
- Kacey Musgraves
- Usages:
- School and Community
- Number of Pages:
- 20
SKU: A0.1301785
By Kacey Musgraves. By Kacey Musgraves. Arranged by Ken Naidu. This edition: pdf, streaming. Chamber, Christmas, Holiday, Jazz, Swing. 20 pages. Scores by Ken #891377. Published by Scores by Ken (A0.1301785).Christmas Makes Me Cry (Kacey Musgraves) — Small Ensemble | Scores by Ken
A tender holiday ballad reimagined with sax, rhythm, and string quartet. Warm textures for intimate concert settings.
Specs
- Ensemble | Alto Sax, Piano, Upright Bass, Drum Set, String Quartet (Vln 1, Vln 2, Vla, Vc).
- Difficulty | 4 – Upper Intermediate (Scale 1-7, Scores by Ken) | Exposed phrasing, chamber blend, jazz rubato feel.
- Duration | ≈ 2:30
- Style | Holiday Ballad | Rubato piano intro, light swing feel.
- Key / Range | Concert B major | Alto to written Ab4 (concert B4); Strings in comfortable lyrical ranges.
- Meter / Tempo | 4/4, Crotchet = 60 (rubato intro) → Crotchet = 104 | Swing–straight hybrid with rubato cadences.
- Included Parts | Full conductor’s score + Alto Sax, Piano, Bass, Drums, complete string quartet.
- Features | Sax feature over lush string harmonies; rubato piano openings; drum kit with light swing; “pops concert” crossover character.
- Licensing | Licensed via ArrangeMe (Hal Leonard). Performance rights per venue territory.
Performance Notes
- Piano rubato opening should breathe freely, cueing ensemble entry.
- Alto sax carries vocal line, keep lyrical phrasing forward.
- Strings sustain “dolce” pads; balance under winds.
- Bass anchors in 2-feel; drums with brushes for subtle swing.
- Emotional arc must rise naturally: whisper-soft start, bloom into heartfelt climax.
Ideal For
- Holiday pops or chamber concerts (warm, audience-friendly seasonal feature).
- Jazz ensembles wanting crossover holiday repertoire.
- Church or community events (sacred/secular versatility).
- Studio projects needing intimate holiday textures.
What You Get
- Full conductor’s score (concert + transposed).
- Complete set of parts for sax, piano, bass, drums, and string quartet.
- Print-ready PDFs (paginated for pro binders).
- Licensing assurance: fully cleared via ArrangeMe (Hal Leonard).
About the Composer
Scores by Ken delivers professional, performance-ready charts: clear engraving, practical ranges, idiomatic writing. Arranged by Ken Naidu, published under Scores by Ken via ArrangeMe (Hal Leonard).
About ArrangeMe
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's self-publishing community for independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. Discover unique arrangements of popular titles and original compositions from diverse creators. The length, difficulty, and pricing are determined by the arranger or composer.
About Digital Downloads
Digital Downloads let you instantly access sheet music on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Print your sheet music anywhere, anytime, or play it straight from your device—no internet connection is required after download.
Each Digital Download includes a watermark with your name, purchase date, and the number of copies purchased. You may only print or use the number of copies purchased. Redistribution or unauthorized printing is prohibited.
- More by this Composer:
- Kacey Musgraves Kacey Musgraves Choir Kacey Musgraves Voice Kacey Musgraves Piano, Vocal, Guitar
- ArrangeMe:
- Scores by Ken
- Instrument:
- Strings Cello Strings Double Bass Percussion Drums Drum Set Percussion Percussion Piano and Keyboard Piano Woodwinds Saxophone Alto Saxophone Strings Viola Strings Violin
- Artists:
- Kacey Musgraves
- Ensemble:
- Large Ensemble
- Publisher:
- Scores by Ken