Christmas Magic: Score
Traditional / arr. Jerry Brubaker
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0003898
$10.00
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Description
Lots of holiday medleys are in the marketplace. Few, if any, can compare to Jerry Brubaker's brilliant working of "Joy to the World," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Silent Night," and "Jingle Bells." From the subtle rhythmic underpinnings to the juxtaposed closing melodies, this wonderful medley meshes superbly. It works!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Christmas Magic: 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:
248
SKU:
00-PR-0003898
More about this title
About the Arranger: Jerry Brubaker
Jerry Brubaker has established himself as a trusted voice in wind band literature, with a particular gift for arranging familiar melodies in ways that respect their original character while enriching them through fresh harmonic and rhythmic treatments. His work across multiple grade levels demonstrates both accessibility and musical substance, making him a reliable resource for conductors seeking repertoire that engages students without sacrificing artistry.
Why we love this
Brubaker sidesteps the predictable medley trap by treating these four carols as a cohesive composition rather than a string of recognizable tunes. The rhythmic sophistication and the way he layers and contrasts the melodies in the closing section reward careful rehearsal and give your band something genuinely musical to sink their teeth into, even at this accessible grade level.
What to expect
A fresh take on familiar carols that feels thoughtful rather than sentimental. The arrangement builds from quiet, introspective moments to a finale where multiple melodies interweave, creating texture and warmth without becoming cluttered or overly busy.
Who it's for
Conductors leading Grade 2 concert bands who want a holiday piece that sounds polished and musically complete without demanding advanced technical facility. This works for both full concert programming and holiday-specific performances where the blend of sacred and secular material fits your artistic vision.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the inner voices carrying the subtle rhythmic underpinnings early in the arrangement; these supportive figures are what give the medley its cohesion and sophistication.
- Shape each carol's entrance clearly so the audience registers the transition without losing the forward momentum of the overall arc.
- Bring out the juxtaposed closing melodies with precision and clarity; Brubaker's intent here depends on clean attacks and controlled releases between the different melodic fragments.
How to use it
Reserve this for a full holiday concert where you can program it as a centerpiece rather than filler; the musical architecture deserves focused listening. Pair it with other seasonal works at contrasting tempos and moods to showcase the band's range, or close a concert with it to leave your audience with something memorable.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing inner harmonies with outer voices
- Tracking multiple melodic lines simultaneously
- Phrasing and shaping four distinct melodies within one composition
- Precision articulation and rhythmic accuracy across parts
- Sustaining musical shape through transitions between key sections