Come Swing, All Ye Faithful: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

This arrangement captures the infectious energy of a big band soli section without requiring a full ensemble. Ryan Meeboer's writing gives each brass player a chance to shine with characteristic swagger and voicing that feels contemporary, making this an ideal pick for brass quintets looking to program something with festival appeal that also genuinely sparkles in performance.

Joyous and unstoppable. The familiar carol melody lands with modern harmonic swagger and big band attitude, wrapped in voicing that feels both swinging and singable. It's reverent toward the source tune while refusing to be reverent about how it plays.

This arrangement suits brass quintets at the secondary and college levels who are comfortable with contemporary harmonic language and rhythmic drive. It's equally at home in a winter concert program, brass festival, or holiday pops concert where the audience expects fun alongside musical substance.

• Lean into the brassy, unabashed articulation that defines big band style; avoid over-legating the melodic material and let the punch live in your attacks.
• Balance the quintet so the melody sits slightly forward without drowning the harmonic support; this isn't a solo feature but a full ensemble moment.
• If using the optional drumset, lock the rhythmic pocket together in rehearsal before adding the full brass voices so the groove is settled before tone enters.
• Treat phrase endings with the same casual confidence as a jazz section would; resist the urge to diminish or soften into cadences.

Position this as a highlight in a holiday concert or festival program where it can follow more traditional choral or chamber repertoire and reset the room's energy. The optional drumset makes it flexible for concert halls with rhythm section access while remaining fully satisfying for quintet alone, so it adapts to your venue's resources.

• Big band style articulation and phrasing conventions
• Ensemble blend and balance in a five-voice texture with optional rhythm section
• Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic figures
• Balancing familiar melody recognition with contemporary harmonic language