“A Letter to Santa” – Grade 0.5-2.5 for Concert Band Tuesday, October 16, 2018
recommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist
Band on the Housetop arr. Timothy Loest, Grade 0.5
You’ve heard of a fiddler on the roof? Well, how about a band on the housetop! Feature the entire band, section by section, at your next winter concert. Using just six notes, this new arrangement of an old holiday favorite is cleverly scored so that any group, including ensembles with limited instrumentation, will sound rich and full. A perfect format for bolstering group confidence while promoting section independence!
Joy! (A Holiday Fanfare) arr. Patrick Roszell, Grade 1
Open or close your holiday concert with this fanfare setting of two holiday favorites that include, “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Joy to the World.” Lively and cheerful, it’s a delightful way to usher in the season.
Two Renaissance Noels arr. Mekel Rogers, Grade 1
Featuring two holiday songs from Renaissance France, this composition provides a great contrasting selection for your winter concert, but is also effective at other times of the year. Easy ranges and light technical demands allow students to develop more musical concepts such as phrasing, style and dynamics. A very authentic-sounding, yet playable setting!
A Jamaican Christmas arr. Michael Story, Grade 1
Heat up your holiday program with this charming arrangement fusing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” with Caribbean flair. It’s straightforward and playable in a laid-back reggae style. Merry Christmas, mon!
A Letter to Santa arr. Timothy Loest, Grade 1
This magical work for student narrator(s) and band brings to life the centuries old tradition of writing a letter to Santa. Beginning with “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and ending with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” each gift request is followed by a delightfully arranged carol including “Ring Little Bells,” “Jingle Bells,” “I Saw Three Ships,” “Silent Night,” “O Christmas Tree,” “I Have a Little Dreidel,” and “Auld Lang Syne.” An adorable yuletide gem destined to be the hit of your next holiday program!
A Fireside Christmas by Rob Romeyn, Grade 1.5
Beautiful and expressive, the traditional carol “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella” is the basis for this lovely, lyrical holiday selection for beginning band. In addition to being very playable, care was taken to ensure success even with the most limited of instrumentations. Moving lines and opportunities abound for the development of lyrical phrasing, making this an outstanding teaching selection, as each section has the opportunity to perform melodically.
Selections from Suite of Carols by Leroy Anderson/arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2
Selected from Leroy Anderson’s 1955 arrangements of the same name for brass choir, woodwind ensemble, and string orchestra, these four cherished holiday carols demonstrate his rich musical tradition. The medley includes “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella,” “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” “Away in a Manger,” and “Wassail Song.” Scored as a through-played medley, the many teaching opportunities make this setting a perfect program piece for your winter concert.
Heart, Soul and Voice arr. Michael Kamuf, Grade 2
A fantasia on “In Dulci Jubilo,” this setting includes each of the three melodic statements building in orchestration and intensity, taking both the musicians and audiences on a musical expedition. With both expressive and energetic elements, this piece is a solid musical choice for both holiday concerts and festival programs!
Santa On Parade arr. Gene Milford, Grade 2
Everyone loves a parade, including Old Saint Nick, whether it is at the North Pole or marching down Main Street. “Santa On Parade” includes three traditional Christmas songs in march style (“Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” “Good King Wenceslas,” and “O, Christmas Tree”) and brief quotations from four famous marches (“High School Cadets,” “The Thunderer,” “National Emblem,” and “Stars and Stripes Forever”). This crowd favorite is an excellent choice for any holiday concert!
March of the Toys arr. Nathan Jones, Grade 2.5
This Victor Herbert classic has been thoughtfully reimagined in this new arrangement for young band by Nathan Jones. Parts have been tailored to better suit the abilities of developing players, considering all aspects of performance including range, rhythms, time signature, key, and overall length while keeping the overall feeling and charm of this holiday favorite!
A Rollicking Hanukkah by Randall D. Standridge, Grade 2.5
Hold on for this whimsical work intended to paint the picture of a person galloping by horse across a snowy plain to a Hanukkah celebration. The songs “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah,” “The Dreidel Song,” and “Sevivon, Sov, Sov, Sov” are heard as the celebrants draw closer and closer to their destination. A Hannukah celebration unlike any other!
A Solitary Wish by Brian Balmages, Grade 2.5-3
This emotional and reflective work paints a stunning picture of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of a homeless person on a street corner. The music relies heavily on a juxtaposition of the “Ukrainian Bell Carol” and “Greensleeves,” painting a picture of a lonely person who is eventually joined by others. Ultimately, a quartet performs in dramatic fashion before switching to a final duet, leaving the homeless person with a granted wish – company. A stunning and unique work that brings incredible awareness to the holidays and the true spirit of giving.
About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio. His iPod ranges from jazz to classic and alternative rock, symphonies, and classic songs from Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His interests include comic books, traditional amusement parks, the Muppets, football and hockey (especially the Steelers and Penguins), and all things Pittsburgh.