It's Hanukkah

"It's Hanukkah" is a simple, singable tune for the celebration of, well, Hanukkah. While Hanukkah songs can vary in terms of being in a minor or a major key, we decided to use both in this piece. The "A" section is in a minor key as it speaks of the Festival of Lights and lighting candles one by one. But for the "B" section, which talks about children playing, dreidels spinning, and dancing the horah, the song has a lighter sound and is in a major key. Clarinet, flute, mandolin, finger cymbals, and string and rhythm sections give the recorded accompaniment just the right touch. You could even add your own finger cymbals (or triangle) and/or tambourine to your performance.

While the song is a natural for a holiday concert, be sure to also use it for a lesson on the difference between major and minor keys - in this case, F major and its relative minor, the key of D minor. You could also use this song as a segue into a discussion on the traditions of Hanukkah.