Prelude to Magic of Christmas

DEADLINE NOV. 30, 2025

Violin, viola, and cello students will perform a prelude to Portland Symphony Orchestra’s "Magic of Christmas" concert on stage at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. This is a group performance play-in that includes Suzuki and Christmas tunes.

This FREE event is for MSA member families, and you must be a member to participate. It's easy to join, and membership dues are still only $20/year/family. JOIN HERE. All ages and levels are welcome.

Schedule

Sunday morning, Dec. 14, 2025

8:45-9:00 a.m. Students arrive

9:00 a.m. Rehearse on stage

10:00 - 10:45 a.m. MSA Prelude performance of Suzuki and Christmas music

11:00 "Family Friendly" version of Magic of Christmas Concert. Running time is about 75 minutes with no intermission)

Attire

Black bottoms, white dress shirt, black shoes. No blue jeans, sneakers, or T-shirts. 

Sign Up

Deadline: Nov. 30.

WE CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE VIOLINISTS

You must sign up in advance for this event. SIGN UP HERE. A limited number of students get to play, so sign up quickly.

Tickets for Magic of Christmas

Participating families receive balcony ticket deals for the Sunday Dec. 14, 11:00 a.m. Magic of Christmas concert that follows the MSA performance.

• Student performers get in FREE.

• Up to 3 discounted tickets adult tickets at 10% off.

• You can also purchase additional Child/Student tickets for $18 plus fees.

• All students and parents entering Merrill Auditorium must have a ticket.

• If you are unable to stay for the MOC show and do not wish to purchase a ticket, please make arrangements by emailing McKenzie Blanchard at mblanchard@portlandsymphony.org no later than Monday, December 1.

• After you sign up, you'll be sent info about how to obtain tickets and other details.

Participating families will be provided information about how to obtain these discounts.

Suzuki Repertoire

Duet parts are welcome.

Christmas Tunes

Learn what you can. Printable music and audio files with digital instruments playing are HERE. Music stands will be available at the performance, so memorization is not essential. Make sure your music is orderly.

Carol of the Bells (4 violin parts, viola, cello)

• Part 1 & 2 best for Book 3-4

• Part 3 best for Book 3

• Part 4 could be taught to Book 1 student

Deck the Halls (melody and two harmony parts)--play 3 times

Frosty the Snowman--Students can play the best known part (measure 5-20) or by ear start on G 

Jingle Bells (melody and 2 harmony parts)

• Part 1--Beginners play chorus only each time it comes around. For violinists the chorus is rehearsal letters B to D.

• Part 2--For students who want an challenge playing in higher positions and is basically Part 1 up an octave.

• Part 3 is a harmony

We Wish You a Merry Christmas (melody and duet part)