Suite of Carols, Selections from: Mallets
Featuring: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella / It Came Upon the Midnight Clear / Away in a Manger / Wassail Song
Traditional / arr. Leroy Anderson, adapted and scored by Douglas E. Wagner
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0018065_M1
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Description
Selected from Leroy Anderson's 1955 arrangements of the same name for brass choir, woodwind ensemble, and string orchestra, these four cherished holiday carols demonstrate his rich musical tradition. The medley includes "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella," "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear," "Away in a Manger," and "Wassail Song." Scored as a through-played medley, the many teaching opportunities make this setting a perfect program piece for your winter concert. (3:00)
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
218
SKU:
00-PC-0018065_M1
More about this title
About the Arranger: Leroy Anderson
Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) was an American composer and arranger whose light orchestral works became standards of American popular music. His gift for orchestration and melodic craftsmanship made him a master of the "pops" arrangement, and his work in scoring classics for various instrumental combinations demonstrates deep knowledge of instrumental color and balance.
Anderson's arrangements have endured in music education because they preserve the integrity of beloved melodies while making them accessible to young musicians. His orchestrations teach by example: how to voice harmonies clearly, how to layer instrumental colors effectively, and how to maintain musical shape across an ensemble.
Why we love this
Anderson's ear for instrumentation shines in this medley. Four familiar carols flow seamlessly together without losing their individual character, and the Grade 2 scoring ensures your band can execute his vision without struggle. The through-composed structure keeps rehearsal focused and pacing clean for a winter concert, while the arrangement itself models how to voice holiday music for concert band.
What to expect
Anderson's medley wraps familiar carols in warm, sophisticated harmonies. Each tune emerges naturally from the last, creating the sense of a musical journey through the holiday season rather than a collection of disconnected pieces. The orchestration sparkles without being showy, inviting audiences into the comfort of songs they already love.
Who it's for
This arrangement serves conductors who need a confident, substantial holiday offering that works without soloists or added vocal forces. Young bands at the Grade 2 level can execute Anderson's orchestration and deliver a polished, satisfying concert experience, making this ideal for programs that include developing ensembles.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody across sections where Anderson passes it between woodwinds and brass. Test exposed lines in sectionals before full ensemble rehearsals.
- Maintain consistent tempo through the medley transitions. These moments feel natural only when the pulse remains steady; mark beat-offs clearly on the conductor score.
- Shape each carol distinctly through articulation. Let the character of each tune guide your phrasing choices rather than imposing a single style across all four.
- Lock the rhythm section early. The harmonic foundation in lower brass and low woodwinds sets the foundation for everything else, especially during modulations between carols.
How to use it
Position this as the anchor of your winter concert's second half. Its three-minute length and uplifting character provide an ideal bridge between more substantial concert works and a potential sing-along closer, or it can stand alone as a complete seasonal statement that shows your band's musicianship without demanding technical virtuosity.
Skills your students will build
- Executing smooth transitions between sections and key areas
- Balancing melody and accompaniment across different instrumental families
- Sustaining consistent tone quality across an extended medley
- Articulation control to distinguish character within a through-composed form
- Reading and interpreting conductor cues in longer, multi-section arrangements