Jingle Bells/Hear the Sleigh Bells by Mary Donnelly and George L.O. Strid From the December 2012 issue of John Jacobson’s Music Express, Volume 13, No. 3

Historical Background “Jingle Bells” was written by James Pierpont (1822–1893) in the autumn of 1857. It was pub- lished under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh.” Even though it is commonly thought of as a Christmas song, it was actually written and sung for Thanksgiving. It is one of the best- known winter songs in the world.

For the Lower Grades OPTIONAL EXTENSION 1. SAY Now we are going to learn a new winter song. Create a visual of “Hear the Sleigh Bells” from page 23 and on enclosed CD. Teach the song. 2. Have students sing “Hear the Sleigh Bells” with the accompaniment track, singing first “Jingle Bells” and then “Hear the Sleigh Bells.” 3. Compare and contrast the two songs.

ASSESS Were students able to: • sing the songs well? • clap and play jingle bells on the steady beat? • compare two similar songs?

For the Upper Grades EXTENSION 1. Create a visual of the Glockenspiel part be means of reproduction, projection, etc. 2. When students are confident of all parts, partner up by performing the song with both voice parts and a few students playing the glockenspiels and the jingle bells on the chorus only. 3. Tell students the historical background of the song (see above). SAY Over the years the mel- ody of the refrain has changed quite a bit. 4. Research and play different versions of “Jingle Bells” found on YouTube (if allowed) or from other sources. Use a Venn diagram to chart similarities and differences. 5. To learn more about the history of the song visit: http://www.americanmusicpreservation. com/jinglebellssong.htm

ASSESS Were students able to: • learn about the history of “Jingle Bells”? • sing the partner songs? • play the glockenspiels and jingle bells?

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December 2012