Hot Chocolate (from The Polar Express) (arr. John Berry): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

John Berry's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without overwhelming your ensemble. The crisp ensemble writing sits perfectly in the Grade 4 sweet spot, giving students real jazz vocabulary to execute while the optional vocal parts add personality and flexibility to your performance.

Bright and propulsive, with the kind of lift that makes audiences smile the moment the first chord hits. The arrangement sparkles with energy while keeping the familiarity of the original melody front and center, creating that perfect balance between novelty and comfort.

This works for jazz ensembles that want holiday material with real swing credentials, or for programs looking to program a film tune that actually swings. Advanced middle school groups and beginning high school jazz bands will find the part writing accessible without feeling simplified.

• Keep the swing feel grounded in the rhythm section; lock the hi-hat and bass line before adding any other voices.
• Shape the ensemble hits with precision so they read as confident rather than choppy.
• If using vocalists, ensure they're comfortable with jazz articulation and phrasing before the first rehearsal.
• Let the bright character of the melody breathe; avoid dragging the tempo even when sections feel busy.

Slot this into a holiday concert as either a closer or a mid-set pick-me-up; its buoyant character works equally well anchoring a themed set or breaking up heavier repertoire. Consider it also for spring pops concerts when you want a tune with immediate appeal and genuine musicianship.

• Swing articulation and phrasing across different sections
• Ensemble precision in tightly written passages
• Balancing background figures with featured melodic lines
• Coordination with optional vocal parts
• Reading and executing jazz chord symbols and rhythmic notation