Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane): Flex Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Gene Autry / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 2-3
Item: 35-PK00292551
$65.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Paul Murtha puts a unique spin on this familiar Christmas tune using a mix of styles from two-beat, to rock shuffle, to straight-ahead swing. Every part gets a chance to play the melody in this entertaining and festive arrangement. Dur: 2:10
Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane): Flex Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00292551
More about this title
About the Artist: Gene Autry
Gene Autry became the first major crossover star in American entertainment by building a career that spanned radio, film, television, and recordings. Known as the "Singing Cowboy," Autry recorded "Here Comes Santa Claus" in 1947, and the song became a holiday standard that endures across generations. His warm, accessible vocal style and knack for writing songs that appeal to both children and adults made him a pioneer in popularizing Western-themed music beyond regional audiences.
Autry's influence on popular music and American culture extended far beyond his recording career. He understood the power of melody and storytelling in song, qualities that make his compositions ideal for educational arrangements and holiday programming.
Why we love this
Murtha's arrangement respects what makes this tune so singable while adding genuine musical variety that keeps students engaged throughout. The orchestration ensures every section gets a turn with the melody, which means no one checks out during rehearsal, and the style shifts (two-beat to shuffle to swing) give young ensembles a chance to explore different rhythmic feels without leaving their comfort zone.
What to expect
Festive and playful, with enough rhythmic interest to feel fresh rather than dutiful. The style changes give the piece personality; it bounces along with genuine swing feel in the final section while maintaining the warmth and accessibility that makes this song memorable to audiences.
Who it's for
This arrangement fits flex ensembles at schools where instrumentation varies day to day. The Grade 2-3 difficulty level means intermediate students can handle it without extensive preparation, making it ideal for holiday concerts that come together quickly.
How to get the most out of it
- Nail the style transitions by having the ensemble identify where each rhythmic feel begins. Mark rehearsal letters or measure numbers clearly so players can anticipate the shift from two-beat to shuffle and into swing.
- Balance melody and harmony carefully during the ensemble unison passages. This is where intonation issues become obvious, so lock in your blend before moving on.
- Let the recorded accompaniment set the tempo for each style change, particularly during the shuffle section where groove matters more than precision.
How to use it
Place this in the middle of your holiday concert where you need both crowd appeal and a palate cleanser between longer or more serious pieces. The upbeat energy works well following something contemplative, and its 2:10 duration fits neatly into typical concert timing.
Skills your students will build
- Switching between straight eighths and swing eighths
- Executing two-beat and shuffle rhythmic feels
- Balancing as a section during unison melody passages
- Sustaining ensemble articulation across style changes