Santa's Holiday Jam: Concert Band Conductor Score

Stalter understands exactly what Grade 1.5 players need to sound and feel confident: comfortable ranges, straightforward rhythms, and a key that doesn't fight young musicians. The three-tune medley structure keeps energy high while staying accessible, and the rock arrangement gives everyone a chance to lock into a groove rather than navigate complex harmonies. This is the kind of holiday chart that gets young players genuinely excited about performing.

This is rock and roll with the volume turned up and the complexity turned down. The groove is infectious, the tunes are instantly recognizable, and the arrangement swings with genuine style rather than sounding like a classical piece in a rock costume. Young players step into the piece feeling like they're genuinely jamming, not reading an exercise.

Young concert bands in Grades 1.5 and above will find this arrangement perfectly suited to their abilities and musical interests. Players gain exposure to rock style and ensemble groove without tackling difficult ranges, complex meters, or unfamiliar territory. It's an ideal choice for holiday concerts, winter pep assemblies, or any program where you want your young musicians to feel like authentic performers.

• Establish the rock groove first by rehearsing the rhythm section separately. Lock the kick drum, bass line, and kick cymbal together before layering in melodic voices.
• Balance the melody between trumpet and clarinet so neither section overwhelms the other; this medley works best when the tune stays clear above the rhythmic foundation.
• Treat each of the three songs as its own mini-phrase: let "Up on the Housetop" bounce, give "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" a warm, full tone, and drive "Auld Lang Syne" with energy into the final section.
• Use the recording as a reference for authentic rock style and pocket feel, but encourage your ensemble to own the groove rather than simply match it.

Program this early in a winter or holiday concert to set an energetic tone and signal to your audience that this won't be a formal evening of classical music. It pairs well alongside more traditional holiday selections, creating contrast and variety in a single program. The short duration (1:45) also makes it useful as a warm-up or opener before more demanding repertoire.

• Rock and roll style and authentic groove feel
• Rhythm section lock and ensemble pocket awareness
• Balanced blending of melody and accompaniment voices
• Stylistic contrast across three different song arrangements
• Confidence playing familiar melodies in a contemporary musical idiom