Hanukkah Swing: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

Jump and joy from the downbeat. The arrangement bounces with the unmistakable lightness of swing while keeping the familiar Hanukkah melody front and center, creating a performance that feels both festive and musically substantial. You get high spirits without sacrificing musicianship.

Brass quintets looking for repertoire that energizes audiences and players alike. This works especially well for ensembles comfortable with swing style and ready to lean into rhythmic playfulness without needing advanced range or difficult passagework.

• Establish a steady swing feel in the rhythm section before locking in the melody parts; the chart's energy depends on that groove sitting solid underneath.
• Balance the lead voice (likely first trumpet) so the melody cuts through without overwhelming the supporting parts; swing voicings are designed to blend.
• Tap into the character of classic swing bands when shaping phrasing; slight delays and lift on certain articulations will unlock the style's personality.
• If you add the optional drumset, coordinate with your percussionist on the swing interpretation so the brushes or sticks serve the same stylistic intent as the brass parts.

Perfect for a winter concert that mixes classical and contemporary styles. The novelty aspect and approachable difficulty make it an ideal opener or interlude, especially in a program that includes more solemn holiday selections. It also works beautifully as a standalone holiday celebration performance.

• Swing articulation and phrasing conventions
• Ensemble balance in small-group brass writing
• Style-appropriate interpretation and rhythm coordination
• Reading jazz-inflected chord changes and comping patterns