Hot Chocolate (from The Polar Express): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Lewis has crafted an arrangement that respects the infectious energy of the original while keeping ranges modest and parts straightforward for young ensemble musicians. The inclusion of two different endings gives you programming flexibility all season long, and that driving bass line locks the groove in place while every section stays engaged.

Warmth and motion wrapped in a sophisticated jazz groove. The melody glides over a foundation of clean, driving bass and steady support from the ensemble, creating an arrangement that feels both accessible and genuinely swinging.

First-year jazz ensemble directors looking for a Grade 1 chart that delivers real swing and audience appeal without overextending players. Beginning jazz musicians benefit from the absence of solos and the straightforward voicings, which let them focus on rhythm, blend, and the fundamental feel of jazz.

• Nail the pocket: Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums) to the click track or accompaniment recording so the swing feel lands consistently throughout.
• Balance the melody against the counterlines: Young players often play their part at full volume regardless of whether they're carrying the tune or supporting it, so mark parts clearly to distinguish soli from background voices.
• Lean into the "Jingle Bells" moment when you use that ending: It's a crowd-pleaser that needs clarity and a touch of rhythmic lift to land the humor.
• Keep the tempo honest: This tune moves on its own momentum; resist the urge to rush, and trust the arrangement to propel itself forward.

Pair this with other First Year Charts selections to build a cohesive winter concert program, or use it as a standalone opener that immediately signals to the audience that they're hearing real jazz musicianship. The movie source and holiday timing make it an ideal fit for December concerts, but the upbeat energy works any time you need a momentum-shifting moment.

• Reading jazz articulations and swing notation
• Playing in a jazz rhythm section groove
• Balancing melody and accompaniment textures
• Understanding call-and-response phrasing in ensemble context
• Responding to ensemble cues without individual solo responsibility