Sleigh Ride: Score
Arr. Mike Lewis
Grade: 4.5 (Medium Advanced / Difficult)
Item: 00-PR-0002390
$10.00
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Description
Here is a great jazz ensemble arrangement for your more experienced band. Leroy Anderson's clever holiday tune joined with Mike Lewis's creative treatment makes this a must-have in your library. Mike has used a rhythm section pedal note pattern behind the melody, giving this classic a brand new life. This chart moves along at a bright swing tempo, yet the brass demands are very reasonable with first trumpet to D and lead trombone up to A. A big shout chorus and no jazz solos---just ensemble and section work galore---keep your band thinking, playing and swinging together throughout this exciting chart. First-class writing!
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:
Premier Jazz Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
110
SKU:
00-PR-0002390
More about this title
Why we love this
Mike Lewis transforms a beloved holiday standard into an ensemble-focused chart that keeps every section engaged without relying on solos or showboat parts. The rhythm section foundation anchors the whole band in a cohesive swing groove, while brass writing that tops out at first trumpet D and lead trombone A makes this accessible for groups still building their higher-register chops. You get a shout chorus that feels earned and a piece that genuinely strengthens section balance and collective musicianship.
What to expect
Leroy Anderson's whimsical holiday melody takes on fresh energy when wrapped in a contemporary jazz treatment. The bright swing tempo and driving rhythm section create lift and momentum, while the shout chorus builds excitement through collective brass power rather than individual heroics. It feels like the band swinging together as a single instrument.
Who it's for
Jazz ensemble directors with Grade 4.5 level players who want a holiday piece that strengthens ensemble cohesion and swing feel without demanding soloistic virtuosity. This works well for groups looking to program a festive closer while maintaining serious musical challenge.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section's pedal point pattern early in rehearsal; this ostinato drives the entire chart and gives the melody and shout chorus their forward momentum.
- Shape the brass section work through clear sectional articulations rather than individual voice prominence. The ensemble writing works best when each section listens across parts.
- Bring the bright swing tempo up gradually through full-band run-throughs rather than jumping to tempo immediately. The chart's success depends on confident, relaxed phrasing at speed.
How to use it
Program this as a finale that sends audiences out smiling without sacrificing musical credibility. The piece works equally well in December concerts or mid-year jazz showcases where a seasonal touch brightens the program without feeling incongruous alongside standards-based repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Swing articulation and phrasing in a contemporary jazz context
- Section balance within ensemble writing
- Reading through a chart with rhythmic pedal point accompaniment
- Ensemble intonation and blend at bright swing tempos
- Brass section cohesion in shout chorus writing