Christmas Celebration on "Military Escort": Score
By Harold Bennett / arr. Douglas E. Wagner
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0006134
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Description
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. (2:15)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Christmas Celebration on "Military Escort": 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:
Belwin Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
126
SKU:
00-PR-0006134
More about this title
About the Composer: Harold Bennett
Harold Bennett was a pseudonym used by Henry Fillmore, one of the most celebrated march composers in American band music. Fillmore's prolific output under various names showcased his mastery of march form and his gift for accessible, engaging writing that could hold its own in both concert halls and community settings. His work remains a cornerstone of band repertoire, valued for its clarity of structure and immediate musical appeal.
Why we love this
Douglas Wagner's arrangement demonstrates remarkable craft in weaving four distinct Christmas melodies into a cohesive march framework without sacrificing musical integrity or clarity. The Grade 2 scoring makes this accessible to developing ensembles while maintaining enough sophistication to interest mature audiences, and it functions equally well as a teaching tool and as a concert-ready holiday finale.
What to expect
This arrangement captures the spirit of a traditional march while infusing it with warmth and recognizable seasonal joy. The familiar Christmas melodies surface and recede gracefully, creating moments of clarity and familiarity within a structured, forward-moving musical design.
Who it's for
Concert bands at Grade 2 level will find immediate success with this piece. Directors seeking holiday repertoire that teaches march form principles while remaining festive and engaging will value both its pedagogical merit and its audience appeal.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody line carefully as themes pass between sections; younger players often need reminders to support without overpowering the lead voice.
- Let the march pulse carry naturally without rushing the tempo, particularly in transitions between key sections where thematic material shifts.
- Feature your best melodic players in the moments where Christmas tunes emerge clearly; this highlights the arrangement's elegant structure and rewards individual musicianship.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a finale for a winter concert, providing a lighter touch than serious holiday or concert music while still demonstrating ensemble capability. It also serves as an excellent mid-year programming choice for concerts celebrating American march traditions alongside seasonal celebrations.
Skills your students will build
- March form structure and sectional organization
- Ensemble balance when multiple themes occur simultaneously
- Maintaining steady tempo and pulse through key changes
- Listening for and supporting thematic material across instrumental sections