Peace Peace /Silent Night

We had such a fun time with The First Noel distance collaboration at Christmas in 2020 (found here: • The First Noel arrange... ) that many of the students told me they wanted to do another one.
I have always loved this little arrangement of Silent Night with the Peace Peace descant written by Rick and Sylvia Powell. This arrangement by Fred Bock also includes a part for bells and a C instrument obbligato. In years past, I found it necessary to simplify the bells part so it could be played by children. That simplification is the orchestra bells part you see and hear in this production. This year I simplified the bells part even more so it could be also be played by my youngest musical friends.
I also was never a huge fan of the obbligato part that came with this arrangement. So, I worked it over for this production. The violin obbligato in verses 2 and 4 is nothing reminiscent of the original, and is passed from one section of violin students to another.
There was also no cello part in the existing arrangement. I jotted down some basic ideas of what the celli could play, but when my sister, Angie Foster, got her hands on it, she turned the cello part into something magical. Angie happens to be one of my favorite collaborators. Many heartfelt thanks are in order for her help on this project. I could not have done it without her.
Also, huge thanks go to another of my favorite collaborators, our fantastic and unfailing accompanist, Jayne Galloway. The piano track is the first piece of the puzzle that we need before we can do anything, and Jayne got this to me in record time.
Other thanks go to my studio string teacher colleagues and their wonderful students who took part. I am honored to listen to the fruits of your practicing and preparation. I hope you enjoy seeing the finished production, and take pride in being a part of something uplifting and wonderful.
Not forgetting the reason for this Christmas season. With hearts full of gratitude for Jesus Christ and His mission, we add our voices to the celebration of His birth.