News & Views Friday, March 29, 2024

“Christmas Around the Band Room”: Holiday for Young Band Wednesday, October 23, 2019

christmas around the band room lisa galvinrecommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist

Christmas Around the Band Room arr. Lisa Galvin, Grade 0.5
Who says easy can’t be fun? “Christmas Around the Band Room” is a satisfying medley of three holiday favorites, giving every section of the band an opportunity to be spotlighted with the melody! Even the youngest ensembles will gain independence and confidence as they prepare this cleverly-scored full band arrangement using only the first six notes of instruction. This would be an ideal choice for your young band’s first holiday concert!

abandoned toy shop timothy loestAbandoned Toy Shop by Timothy Loest, Grade 1
Orphaned toys come to life in this eerie tour of an abandoned toy store. The work opens and closes with Victor Herbert’s dreamlike “Toyland” as a Jack-in-the-box plays “Pop Goes the Weasel.” A wealth of toy sounds make their appearance among diminished chords, tri-tones, and the “Dies Irae,” which surrounds an aleatoric section featuring a whole host of noisy toys. Highly accessible, extremely creative, and definitely memorable!

A Festive Finale by Brian Balmages, Grade 1
After countless requests from directors everywhere, Balmages is thrilled to offer this closer that pairs perfectly with “A Festive Fanfare” and brings your program full circle. Loosely based on the opening notes of the fanfare, this thrilling and energetic closer is a great way to tie your entire program together and end in a truly festive fashion. So. Much. Fun.

santa's midnight ride rob griceSanta’s Midnight Sleigh Ride by Rob Grice, Grade 1
Oh no, Santa’s running late! It’s midnight, and Santa is just leaving the North Pole for his long night’s journey, delivering toys to all the good children of the world! “Santa’s Midnight Sleigh Ride” is designed to capture the imaginations of younger musicians during the holiday season. Sure to be entertaining for the audience as well as the students!

Christmas Celebration on “Military Escort” by Harold Bennett/arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2
Henry Fillmore, often referred to as one of the other “March Kings,” was a prolific writer with a renowned body of work released under his own name, as well as several pseudonyms. “Harold Bennett” was chosen for this frequently played favorite. See if you can hear the four cherished Christmas tunes seamlessly interwoven in this innovative textbook example of the traditional march form. Superb for both teaching and holiday programming.

minor holiday celebration robert w smithA Minor Holiday Celebration arr. Robert W. Smith, Grade 2
Two Christmas classics have been masterfully re-arranged into a harmonic minor mode providing a new twist on these holiday favorites. Robert W. Smith has woven together “Joy To The World” and “Jingle Bells” with quotes from other familiar melodies including “The Dreidel Song” and “Hallelujah Chorus”. A very effective addition to the holiday repertoire for developing bands.

Contact us for more suggestions for your young band, or explore our website for more ideas! Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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.

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