Santaland Jam: Tuba

Loest understands exactly what a 1.5 grade band can handle, and this chart proves it. The arrangement swings, the instrumentation works without special doublings, and the optional drum set part gives you flexibility depending on what players you have. It's the kind of smart programming choice that sounds energetic without requiring a seasoned ensemble.

Hip, modern, and fun without losing sight of the holidays. The rock arrangement of two classic carols creates an energy that's infectious, the kind of piece that makes an audience sit up and pays off the rehearsal time you invest in tightening the rhythm section.

Young concert bands (Grades 1-2) ready to tackle something with rhythm and attitude. This works for ensembles that know basic concert fundamentals and can handle a light swing feel without losing their sound.

• Keep the groove locked between the rhythm section and the rest of the band. Even at this grade level, the pocket matters when you're playing rock.
• Let the drum set player know that the optional part should sit in the mix, not dominate. This is still a concert band sound with a rock feel, not a drum kit feature.
• Bring out the melody when it trades between sections. The medley format only works if the audience clearly hears both tunes.

Save this for your December concert as a high-energy closer or second-to-last number. It pairs well with a slower holiday ballad, letting you shift the mood and end on an upbeat, swinging note that feels earned rather than tacked on.

• Swing eighth-note articulation and feel
• Rock/pop groove coordination between melody and rhythm section
• Reading mixed rhythmic styles (rock notation with traditional concert band scoring)
• Sectional balance in a contemporary idiom