Santa in the Mix: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Wagner knows exactly how to give a Grade 2.5 band the gift of sounding polished and confident with instantly familiar material. The light swing treatment keeps both tunes propulsive and modern without adding unnecessary complexity, making this an ideal December closer that audiences recognize immediately and players enjoy performing.

Two beloved Christmas standards arrive with an easy-going swing lilt that feels contemporary yet nostalgic. The melodies sit front and center where every listener can hum along, while the arrangement gives each section moments to shine without demand for technical virtuosity.

This arrangement is built for bands still developing independence in all sections but ready to tackle concert repertoire with rhythmic personality. Directors programming a holiday concert can confidently give this to a Grade 2 or strong Grade 2.5 group and expect results that sound professional without requiring weeks of rehearsal.

• Establish a relaxed swing articulation early in rehearsals by having the trumpet and clarinet sections listen closely to one another; the rhythm section will lock in faster when the melody line feels unified and bouncy.
• Resist dragging the tempo during phrase endings. The swing feel depends on forward motion, so light releases and quick breaths between sections keep the energy bright.
• Balance the arrangement so the low brass can support the harmonic foundation without overwhelming the upper woodwind lines where much of the melodic material sits.
• Let the recorded accompaniment (if available) serve as a reference for the swing feel and overall balance, but trust your own section and ensemble work more than matching a recording exactly.

Program this in the second half of a holiday concert where audiences are already warm and engaged. It pairs well with traditional arrangements and gives conductors a cheerful finale that lets the band relax into a groove rather than push through complexity.

• Swing articulation and rhythmic feel appropriate to pop-style concert music
• Balanced, non-forced playing across full ensemble dynamic range
• Maintaining forward motion and preventing tempo drag in jazz-influenced material
• Melody vs. accompaniment awareness and section interdependence