The Christmas Gig Book, Volume 2: Trombone Part(s)

Marlatt's gift for idiomatic brass writing shines here. Each piece sits naturally on the trombone while maintaining the character of the original carol, and the variety of styles across the ten selections means your group gets genuine musical range rather than ten variations on the same approach.

These arrangements move between reverent and festive with ease. You'll find moments of genuine warmth and simplicity alongside passages that ask for tighter ensemble control and richer harmonic texture. The result feels festive without being novelty.

Any brass quintet working at the intermediate level can access this collection immediately. It works equally well for an advanced middle school group looking for polished holiday repertoire or a skilled community ensemble wanting reliable Christmas material that honors both the carols and the players.

• Balance the density of harmonies against text clarity. In carols with lyrics sung by others, let the brass texture breathe rather than fill every space.
• Pay attention to the distinction between stately pieces like 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' and more playful arrangements like 'Ding Dong Merrily on High.' The emotional temperature shifts across the program.
• Use the range of dynamic markings to shape phrasing without relying on heavy vibrato. These medium-level arrangements reward subtle control of tone color.
• Find the pulse early in rehearsal and lock it in the section. The variety of meters and tempos benefits from a rhythm section that commits decisively.

Schedule this for a winter concert where you want to pair accessible Christmas music with other seasonal material. At roughly 25 minutes across ten pieces, it can anchor a full program or serve as a substantial closing statement. Consider interspersing these arrangements with community singing or featuring different subset groupings to showcase variety.

• Balancing harmonic density against clarity in medium-range ensemble writing
• Tonal control in sustained, hymn-like passages
• Rhythmic precision across varying meters and tempos
• Dynamic shaping to support phrasing without excessive vibrato
• Stylistic flexibility moving between formal and celebratory character