Light It Up!: 2nd Mallet Percussion

VanDoren captures the infectious irreverence of arena rock without sacrificing accessibility. The mashup structure gives your ensemble two recognizable melodies to anchor themselves in, while the Queen/Led Zeppelin/TSO aesthetic makes even Grade 2.5 players feel like they're performing something genuinely modern and cool. That's a rare combination at this level.

Pure kinetic excitement. The piece channels stadium rock attitude into a Jewish holiday setting, creating something celebratory and defiant at once. Expect driving rhythms that feel propulsive, harmonies with teeth, and the kind of infectious groove that has audiences on their feet.

Concert bands at the Grade 2 to 2.5 level looking for a holiday chart that respects their abilities while delivering genuine energy and modern sound. This works equally well for groups seeking something beyond the standard holiday medley and for ensembles that thrive on rock and contemporary repertoire.

• Push the rhythmic precision in the rhythm section from day one. The driving groove only lands if your drums and optional electric bass lock together with absolute clarity; this makes the rock attitude believable rather than merely loud.
• Balance the melodic statements carefully between sections. Both tunes deserve breathing room, so resist the temptation to let everything play at full volume all the time.
• If you're using the optional electric guitar and bass, position them where they anchor the sound without overwhelming the winds. They should feel like they're supporting the groove, not replacing it.
• Lean into the 'edgy harmonies' mentioned in the title. Rehearse those dissonant moments deliberately so students hear them as intentional and distinctive, not as mistakes.

Reserve this for the second half of a holiday concert where energy and spectacle matter most. It pairs naturally with quieter, more traditional selections earlier in the program, giving you dramatic programming contrast. The piece also works brilliantly in casual performance settings like pep assemblies or community events where a rock treatment feels appropriate rather than out of place.

• Executing driving, syncopated rhythmic figures at a brisk tempo
• Balancing ensemble blend when multiple sections carry melodic material simultaneously
• Reading and performing in a contemporary rock/pop idiom with attention to groove and pocket
• Coordinating with optional rhythm section instruments (electric guitar, electric bass, drum set)
• Shaping harmonic tension through careful dynamic control and phrasing