happy hanukkah
After hearing Feliz Navidad played on the radio numerous times throughout the holiday season, Carol vowed to compose a Hanukkah song whose melody, rhythm, simple lyrics and strong percussion would have a contemporary sound that encourages radio listeners and concert-goers -- young and old alike -- to sing along.
Happy Hanukkah was recorded and arranged by Derek Wille with vocals by Larry Eschler, percussion by Steve Bloom, trumpet by Curt Christensen, and mastering by Bill Wolf in Spring 2008.
Sarah Brett England arranged Happy Hanukkah for vocal/piano/guitar and also created choral scores for unison choir (or solo voice), for 2-part choir (appropriate for grade 5/6 through adult) and for SAB choir (with optional trumpet) for use in schools, community concerts, synagogues and elsewhere.
It debuted at a holiday concert of the Encore Chorale at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 16, 2008 and also was performed by a high school showchoir around the same time.
Maybe Happy Hanukkah will never receive air time or be sung throughout the holiday season like Feliz Navidad.
But who knows? Miracles do happen.
Happy Hanukkah Video Clip
Happy Hanukkah
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Happy Hanukkah performance track
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Happy Hanukkah CD
(includes vocal and performance tracks) $8.00 + shipping
Happy Hanukkah Pop Sheet Music (piano/vocal/guitar) $3.95 each + $2 total shipping (regardless of number ordered). Click here for pdf preview.
Music & lyrics by Carol Boyd Leon
Verse:
At this time of year, we wish you good cheer
As we say, “Have a happy Hanukkah” – Happy Hanukkah!
Festival of lights for eight days and nights,
Candles are glowing far and near.
Refrain:
Wondrous holiday of light,
Freedom shining more each night.
Wondrous holiday of light,
Freedom shining more each night.
Bridge:
Tell the story of days gone by
As the candle flames grow bright.
Ancient glory defies the night
Turning darkness into light.
Final verse:
At this time of year, we wish you good cheer
As we say, “Have a happy Hanukkah” – Happy Hanukkah!
Festival of Lights for eight days and nights,
Happy Hanukkah to those we hold most dear.
Happy Hanukkah year after year.