Ho Ho Hoedown: Concert Band Conductor Score

Shaffer takes a beloved holiday tune and transforms it into something that feels fresh without losing its identity. The decision to feature trumpet players as square dance callers adds theatrical flair and gives those students a moment that goes beyond traditional note-playing, making this a genuine ensemble event rather than just another holiday arrangement.

Imagine Jingle Bells dressed in a plaid shirt and boots, ready to do-si-do across your concert stage. The energy is infectious and lighthearted, with clever orchestration that lets every section shine. It captures that holiday spirit without ever feeling saccharine or overworked.

This work belongs on any Grade 2 band's holiday concert. It's designed for directors who want to program something with personality and orchestral quality while keeping technical demands reasonable, and for students who benefit from a piece that rewards their effort with immediate, audience-pleasing results.

• Treat the square dance calling section as a comedic centerpiece. Work with your trumpet section on crisp articulation and clear diction so the calls land with humor rather than getting lost in the band's texture.
• Balance the country western character throughout. Encourage the woodwinds and low brass to lean into a slightly looser, more swung feel in the rhythmic figures, especially in passages that emphasize the genre's relaxed groove.
• The "Swing ol' Santa 'round and 'round" moment needs conviction from the full ensemble. Mark that moment in rehearsal as a turning point where energy lifts, and make sure the brass and percussion lock in together to create that spinning, celebratory sensation.

Position this piece as a bright center item in your holiday concert, perhaps flanking it with a more traditional carol or a contemplative winter selection. The theatrical vocal element makes it an ideal bridge between purely instrumental selections and any other novelty or fun items you're programming. It also works beautifully as an opener if you want to set an upbeat, festive tone immediately.

• Balancing western swing rhythms with traditional march-style precision
• Responding to non-traditional solo roles (trumpet calling) within an ensemble context
• Creating character and style variation within a single holiday arrangement
• Coordinating ensemble energy and tempo during moments designed for theatrical impact