The Dreidel Boogie: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

A honky-tonk energy meets a winter celebration. The steady, hypnotic pulse of the boogie woogie bass creates forward momentum while familiar melodic phrases bob and weave through the ensemble, evoking both the jive of 1950s dance halls and the warmth of family gatherings.

Brass quintets at the intermediate level seeking repertoire beyond the classical canon. This works equally well for community bands, high school brass ensembles, and professional groups looking for a crowd-pleasing holiday program piece.

• Lock the rhythm section (tuba and trombone) on that boogie woogie bass line; a steady, driving pulse here makes the whole arrangement swing.
• Balance the melody across the trumpet and French horn so the tune reads clearly over the rhythmic churn underneath.
• Lean into the rockabilly articulation; these brass players should feel the swagger and attitude of the era, not play it precious.

Place this mid-concert to lift the energy after a slower piece, or use it as a closing number on a holiday pops concert. The rockabilly treatment offers a refreshing alternative to the more traditional arrangements typically heard during winter holiday performances.

• Swinging eighths and syncopated rhythms in a rock-and-roll idiom
• Maintaining a steady groove while carrying melodic lines
• Balancing ensemble sound across mixed brass voicings
• Playing with stylistic awareness of mid-20th century popular music conventions