Santa on the Housetop: Snare Drum/Bass Drum
By Benjamin R. Hanby / arr. William Owens
Level:.5
Item: 98-PC-DB1294_SDBD
$7.00
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Description
Students and audiences are sure to enjoy this lighthearted treatment of Up on the Housetop, which includes a big "Ho! Ho! Ho!" from members of the band! Not only is there a glimpse of Santa on the roof, but a slide whistle conjures up an image of his journey up and down the chimney. Too much fun!
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Starter Series
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DB1294_SDBD
More about this title
About the Composer: Benjamin R. Hanby
Benjamin R. Hanby (1833-1867) was an American composer and songwriter whose work shaped the sound of 19th-century popular and sacred music. Though his life was brief, he created melodies that endured, including "Darling Nelly Gray" and the Christmas standard "Up on the Housetop," which he wrote in 1865. His gift for straightforward, singable melodies made his songs accessible to amateur musicians and families, and they remain repertoire staples in schools and communities today.
Hanby's compositions reflect the musical sensibilities of his era: clear harmonic progressions, memorable hooks, and emotional directness. For music educators, his work offers an entry point into American popular song tradition and demonstrates how effective melody and structure can sustain a piece across generations.
Why we love this
William Owens has crafted an arrangement that honors the original tune while turning it into genuine musical theater for young bands. The inclusion of the band section's "Ho! Ho! Ho!" and the slide whistle depicting Santa's chimney descent transforms a familiar carol into an interactive performance experience that delights both ensemble and audience, making it an ideal vehicle for building ensemble spirit and performance confidence at the earliest levels.
What to expect
Mischievous and bright, with moments of playful surprise. The melody glides along with cheerful simplicity while the "Ho! Ho! Ho!" interlude and slide whistle create bursts of comedic warmth that make audiences smile. It captures the lighthearted anticipation of holiday excitement without a shred of sentimentality.
Who it's for
This arrangement works beautifully for beginning concert bands at the middle school level or for younger high school ensembles seeking accessible holiday repertoire with genuine entertainment value. Directors building a first-year band's confidence will appreciate the straightforward notation, manageable ranges, and built-in engagement that comes from audience reaction to the novelty elements.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the "Ho! Ho! Ho!" so it lands as a unified punch without drowning out the melody; have the section practice the timing and dynamic together before full ensemble rehearsals.
- Give the slide whistle player space to shine during the chimney descent passage; a clear, deliberate glissando (not rushed) creates the strongest comedic effect.
- Keep the overall tempo light and bouncy to reinforce the holiday joy and humor; resist the urge to drag, which dulls the comic timing.
- Shape the opening melody phrase with clear phrasing and gentle dynamic shaping so the audience recognizes the familiar tune immediately.
How to use it
This piece shines in winter concert programming as a palette cleanser between more substantial works or as a closer that sends audiences home in good spirits. Pair it with other FJH Starter Series selections to build a confident, cohesive first-year band concert, or slot it into a mixed holiday program where its humor balances more reverent seasonal selections.
Skills your students will build
- Playing in tune and maintaining steady ensemble blend at a steady tempo
- Responding to conductor cues for rhythmic entrances and dynamic changes
- Executing simple, song-like phrasing with clear phrase beginnings and endings
- Coordinating with ensemble members in a section for unified rhythmic and dynamic expression (specifically the "Ho! Ho! Ho!" moment)