Christmas in Río: Mallets
Christmas in Río: Mallets Sheet Music Preview

Christmas in Río: Mallets

(O Tannenbaum)

Traditional / arr. Victor López

Grade: 2

Item: 00-PC-0019521_M1
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Description
Written in a bossa nova style, Christmas in Rio, by Victor López, features a smooth alto sax solo, with optional trumpet cues. Perfect for young bands, it offers a fresh and engaging way to blend holiday tradition with the vibrant sounds of Brazil. (1:50)

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Additional Details
Series: Belwin Young Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-PC-0019521_M1

More about this title

About the Arranger: Victor López

Victor López is a prolific composer and arranger whose work spans concert band, orchestra, and wind ensemble literature. His arrangements for young and developing bands are known for balancing accessibility with musical substance, giving students repertoire that sounds sophisticated without requiring advanced technical skills.

Why we love this

López captures the rhythmic warmth of bossa nova in a way that young bands can execute convincingly. The alto sax solo is the centerpiece, giving your section leader a moment to shine while the band provides tasteful accompaniment; the optional trumpet cues ensure players who don't read alto clef can still participate fully.

What to expect

Breezy, tropical, and warm. The bossa nova rhythm gives the band an immediate sense of style and movement, while the holiday melody keeps the piece rooted in the season. It sounds like you're rehearsing in Rio during December.

Who it's for

Grade 2 bands with at least one solid alto sax player and a rhythm section comfortable with Latin feels. This works equally well for young bands taking their first steps into non-traditional holiday programming and for developing bands wanting accessible contemporary pops material.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums) into a steady samba feel before rehearsing with the full band. The bossa nova groove depends on consistent subdivision and swing.
  • Feature your alto sax soloist in early rehearsals and give them time to find the style. This isn't classical phrasing; it's conversational and slightly laid-back.
  • Balance the brass so they support rather than dominate the groove. The writing is lean by design, and heaviness will bury the bossa nova character.
  • Use the optional trumpet cues judiciously. Assign them only if your trumpet section needs the reinforcement; omitting them preserves transparency and lets the alto sax breathe.

How to use it

Program this early in a holiday concert to set an upbeat, modern tone before moving into traditional carols. At under two minutes, it's an ideal opener or palate cleanser between heavier pieces. The Brazilian flavor also works well alongside other world-music or pops selections in a concert celebrating cultural traditions.

Skills your students will build

  • Latin rhythm feel and swing subdivision
  • Supporting a solo with tasteful ensemble accompaniment
  • Reading and executing optional cues
  • Balancing transparency and groove in a contemporary pop idiom

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