Sleigh Ride: Score
By Leroy Anderson / arr. Michael Story
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0001452
$10.00
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Description
The most-revered Leroy Anderson tune of all time is finally scored for the beginning level. All the tricky rhythms and articulations have been distilled for this level but the charming melody is in tact to greet the holiday season with renewed energy! (2:29)
This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Sleigh Ride: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
132
SKU:
00-PR-0001452
More about this title
About the Composer: Leroy Anderson
Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) was an American composer and conductor whose gift for melody and orchestration made him one of the most performed composers in concert band and light orchestra settings. His works are characterized by infectious rhythms, clear harmonic writing, and an unfailing sense of humor that appeals equally to audiences and student musicians. Anderson's concert band pieces remain staples of holiday programming and pops concerts because they demonstrate that accessibility and artistic craftsmanship are not mutually exclusive.
Why we love this
Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" is instantly recognizable to audiences of all ages, yet this Grade 1 arrangement by Michael Story captures the full charm of the original without overwhelming beginning musicians. The melodic integrity remains intact while rhythms and articulations have been thoughtfully simplified, making this an ideal holiday opener that feels substantial rather than diminished. Your band gets to play a genuine classic with a conductor score that's manageable for newer ensembles.
What to expect
Crisp winter air, jingling sleighs, and genuine musical joy. The piece moves with infectious lightness and maintains Anderson's signature blend of sophistication and playfulness, creating a performance that feels celebratory rather than merely easy.
Who it's for
Beginning concert bands, middle school ensembles, and community bands seeking a polished holiday selection that doesn't require advanced technical facility. Any director wanting to program a recognizable, audience-friendly tune for a winter concert while keeping rehearsal demands realistic will find this accessible without feeling compromised.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the sleigh bells (or triangle) so they ring clearly over the band's texture; they're essential to the piece's character and should never be buried.
- Keep the energy moving forward even at this accessible level. Leroy Anderson's pieces live or die by their rhythmic vitality and dance-like quality.
- Coordinate the articulation markings precisely across sections. The staccatos and legato passages define Anderson's playful style and need clarity from the full ensemble.
- Use the dynamic range available to you. Even in Grade 1, contrasts between the softer passages and fuller moments make the arrangement breathe and sound professional.
How to use it
Program this as a holiday concert opener or closer to engage your audience immediately with a piece they know and love. It pairs well with more substantial winter repertoire and works equally as a pops-style standalone feature or a complementary selection alongside traditional concert band literature.
Skills your students will build
- Articulation clarity and control (staccato and legato contrasts)
- Reading concert band instrumentation and part relationships
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in a tuneful, fast-moving arrangement
- Ensemble balance and blend when prominent melodic lines pass between sections