Band on the Housetop: Score
By Benjamin R. Hanby / arr. Timothy Loest
Level:.5
Item: 98-DB1746S
$5.00
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Description
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!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Band on the Housetop: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Starter Series
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DB1746S
More about this title
About the Composer: Benjamin R. Hanby
Benjamin R. Hanby (1833-1867) composed some of the most enduring American songs of the nineteenth century, many rooted in the folk and popular traditions of his time. Though his life was brief, he left a legacy of melodies that have become woven into American culture, including this beloved holiday tune that remains instantly recognizable across generations.
Why we love this
Timothy Loest's arrangement proves that clever orchestration matters far more than complexity. By featuring each section individually and then layering them together, the piece builds ensemble confidence while keeping every student engaged, not just the advanced players. The six-note limitation becomes a strength, ensuring that groups with mixed instrumentation or younger players can still sound polished and complete.
What to expect
Bright and playful, with the kind of simple charm that makes audiences smile immediately. The tune unfolds like a musical surprise party, with each section of the band popping in at just the right moment, creating a sense of joy and camaraderie that spreads across the stage.
Who it's for
Beginning and early intermediate concert bands looking for accessible holiday programming that doesn't sacrifice musicality or ensemble development. This works equally well for groups with incomplete instrumentation, since the arrangement accommodates limited setups without sacrificing the full band sound.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the solo sections carefully so each instrument group is heard clearly during their featured moments; this teaches the ensemble to listen for and respect individual voices within the group texture.
- Keep articulation light and consistent across sections to maintain the cheerful character; crisp but not harsh will preserve the holiday spirit.
- Shape the dynamic curve gradually as more instruments enter, allowing the piece to build naturally rather than jumping to full volume too quickly.
How to use it
Position this as a crowd-pleaser in a winter concert, perhaps opening the second half or closing the program on a lighter note. It pairs well alongside more substantial seasonal works and gives your ensemble a moment to showcase their developing maturity without the pressure of technically demanding material.
Skills your students will build
- Section independence and awareness
- Listening to other instrument groups while maintaining individual lines
- Dynamic control and shaping within a limited range
- Articulation consistency across different timbres
- Confidence in performing exposed passages