St. Nick Salsa: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Traditional / arr. Michael Story
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0002191
$55.00
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Description
A spicy Latin flavor is masterfully combined with the cherished "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas." A variety of Latin rhythms are explored with the traditional carol. A most exciting holiday addition. Ole! (1:39)
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
166
SKU:
00-PK-0002191
More about this title
About the Arranger: Michael Story
Michael Story is a prolific composer and arranger whose catalog spans concert band, jazz ensemble, and educational music. His arrangements are known for maintaining strong artistic integrity while remaining genuinely accessible to student musicians, a balance that has made him a fixture in school band programs across the country.
Why we love this
Story finds the real groove in this carol without overshadowing it. The Latin rhythms feel organic to the melody rather than painted on, and the arrangement gives every section something to play that matters, not just filler notes. At Grade 2, it delivers genuine musicality and holiday sparkle without requiring superhuman technical demands.
What to expect
Imagine the familiar carol stepping into a warm, breezy climate and breaking into an easy salsa step. The melody you know sits comfortably over swinging Latin rhythms and bright percussion colors, creating something both nostalgic and alive. It's joyful without being saccharine, and genuinely fun for a student band to perform.
Who it's for
This arrangement suits Grade 2 concert bands that want to program something festive and stylistically fresh without derailing their December rehearsal schedule. It works equally well for holiday concerts, winter pep band performances, or any ensemble looking to add color to their Christmas repertoire.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the clave rhythm in your rhythm section first. Lock that foundation before layering in the melodic material so the salsa character comes through clearly.
- Balance the melody line across sections as it passes around. This carol is beloved because people know it, so let them hear it each time it appears, even when other parts are active.
- Work the style gradually with your band. Latin articulation and phrasing differ from traditional band sound, so rehearse these elements explicitly rather than assuming students will absorb them by ear.
- Keep the tempo steady and energetic. The 1:39 duration suggests a brisk, dancing feel; rushing or dragging will flatten the salsa flavor.
How to use it
Program this as a high-energy anchor in your holiday concert, ideally between slower or more serious selections where it can shine without competing for attention. It also works as a season opener during rehearsals in November to build enthusiasm before tackling longer concert fare, or as a flex option to fill concert slots when your ensemble is still ramping up its sight-reading.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing syncopated Latin rhythmic patterns
- Stylistic phrasing and articulation in Latin idioms
- Melodic line continuity when the tune transfers between instrumental sections
- Ensemble balance between rhythm section foundation and melodic content