Santa at the Symphony (also playable by strings only): Score
Arr. Mark Williams
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PR-0001872
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Description
A charming and oftentimes hilarious arrangement of familiar classical music themes (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, 1812 Overture, and Brahms's First Symphony) cleverly interwoven with seasonal melodies (Silent Night, Jingle Bells and Nutcracker Suite). Originally a very popular band arrangement, this version provides a challenging and fun piece for school orchestras and is designed to work with strings alone or with all other instruments. Alternate parts and flexible scoring allow for wide programming
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Additional Details
Series:
Highland/Etling Full Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
100
SKU:
00-PR-0001872
More about this title
About the Arranger: Mark Williams
Mark Williams established himself as a prolific composer and arranger with over 200 works spanning band, orchestra, and choral literature. His influence on school music education deepened through his co-authorship of the Accent on Achievement Band Method and his decades teaching elementary band in Washington state, where he developed an instinct for writing that challenges young musicians while remaining accessible.
Beyond the classroom, Williams built a national reputation as a clinician and guest conductor, appearing in 34 states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia. He performed bassoon professionally with the 560th Air Force Band and served as conductor and artistic director for the Spokane British Brass Band. His compositions earned recognition from the Western International Band Clinic's Gralia Competition and multiple ASCAP Special Awards, cementing his legacy as a composer who understood the needs and capabilities of young ensembles.
Why we love this
Williams takes three pillars of the classical canon and stitches them seamlessly into winter and Christmas melodies, creating something that feels neither kitsch nor precious. The flexible instrumentation means you can perform this with full orchestra or strings alone depending on what you have available that day, and the Grade 2 level keeps the parts playable while the arrangement itself stays genuinely clever and entertaining for both players and audiences.
What to expect
Sophisticated fun. The piece opens with gravitas as classical themes establish themselves, then playfully weaves in carol melodies in a way that feels inevitable rather than forced. There's genuine warmth here alongside the comedic moments, creating the kind of performance that delights both the musicians playing it and everyone listening.
Who it's for
School orchestras at the Grade 2 level seeking a winter concert piece that entertains audiences without sacrificing musicianship. Directors with flexible instrumentation needs will appreciate that this works with full orchestra or strings alone, making it adaptable to whatever ensemble composition you have available.
How to get the most out of it
- Highlight the transitions between classical themes and seasonal songs; the contrast is where the humor lives, so resist over-blending them.
- If performing with strings only, rehearse the balance carefully so the reduction doesn't lose the orchestral richness Williams built in.
- Establish a steady tempo in the opening section before the classical themes begin interweaving; ensemble confidence in the foundation makes the fun parts land better.
- Use the conductor score to track which instruments carry the melody in each section, as the clever orchestration means the lead voice shifts frequently.
How to use it
This works as a second-half opener on a winter concert after a more traditional classical selection, signaling a shift in tone without dropping musicality. It's equally at home as the finale, sending audiences home smiling while preserving the ensemble's credibility as serious musicians.
Skills your students will build
- Tracking multiple melodic lines and knowing when to blend versus when to balance against another part
- Playing at Grade 2 level with clarity in orchestral texture and dynamic control
- Reading flex scoring and adapting to instrumental combinations
- Understanding arrangement as a compositional art form, not just accompaniment