Christmas Gig Book 1: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Marlatt respects the developmental level without patronizing it. Every section gets a moment with the melody, which means your second trumpet and second clarinet players stay engaged throughout rehearsal and performance. The arrangements breathe space for young musicians to build confidence while keeping the sound full and festive.

Straightforward joy. These arrangements honor the hymn and carol traditions while keeping the texture lean enough for young players to hear themselves and their stand partners. The familiar tunes anchor the musicians while simple harmonies and rhythmic patterns build ensemble confidence.

Young concert bands in their first or second year of playing together, particularly those performing holiday programs in December. Directors seeking authentic Christmas repertoire that doesn't condescend to developing players will find genuine musicality here alongside accessible ranges and rhythms.

• Balance the melody across your ensemble rather than isolating it in the woodwinds. Since the tune moves around, this is your chance to teach young players how to listen for who carries the line each phrase.
• Keep articulations clean and consistent within each section. Grade 1 writing relies on precision in tonguing and attacks to maintain clarity when multiple parts move together.
• Let the energy rise naturally through the three pieces rather than front-loading the tempo. This collection works beautifully as a set that builds momentum toward the closing carol.

Program all three pieces consecutively as a holiday medley, or spread them across a winter concert as standalone selections. The Grade 1 level makes them ideal early in a concert program, where they set a warm, accessible tone for your audience before moving into more advanced works.

• Playing sustained melodies with phrase awareness
• Reading and executing consistent articulation across a section
• Balancing individual lines within the larger ensemble sound
• Responding to harmonic movement and functional harmony in familiar music
• Coordinating entries and cutoffs across multiple parts