The Polar Express (Medley) (arr. Paul Lavender): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri / Arranged by Paul Lavender
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK01134579
$65.00
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Description
From the blockbuster film which has established itself as a holiday favorite, here is a delightful and well-crafted medley that will come together with minimal rehearsal time. Includes: Believe, The Polar Express, When Christmas Comes to Town and Spirit of the Season.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01134579
More about this title
About the Composer: Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri
Glen Ballard is a songwriter and producer whose work spans pop, film, and theatrical music. His ability to craft memorable melodies that resonate across audiences makes him a sought-after voice in entertainment composition.
Alan Silvestri has built a career composing orchestral scores for major motion pictures, with a particular gift for themes that capture wonder and emotion. His film music demonstrates sophisticated orchestration and harmonic language that translates beautifully to concert band settings.
Why we love this
Paul Lavender's arrangement respects the emotional core of these songs while stripping away unnecessary complexity. Your students will recognize the material immediately, which means they can focus on phrasing and ensemble balance rather than decoding unfamiliar melodies. This medley fills holiday programs with genuine warmth rather than cuteness.
What to expect
These four songs together create a journey from wonder through hope to celebration. The medley captures the emotional arc of the film itself: quiet magic building toward joyful affirmation. Familiar melodies feel fresh when played by live ensemble.
Who it's for
Concert bands working at Grade 2 level, particularly those programming holiday concerts with limited rehearsal time before December performances. Directors seeking material that students will want to play and audiences will genuinely enjoy hearing.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the lead voice prominently in "Believe" without letting it overwhelm the harmonic support underneath. Solo trumpet or clarinet will need space to breathe.
- Keep the tempo of "The Polar Express" steady and purposeful; momentum matters here more than technical precision, so lock in metronomically even if the passages feel straightforward.
- Shape each song's dynamic arc independently so the medley doesn't flatten into one sustained volume. "When Christmas Comes to Town" in particular benefits from quiet, intimate phrasing before any swell.
- Mark the transitions between movements clearly in your score so the ensemble doesn't accidentally drag during key changes or tempo shifts.
How to use it
Open a holiday concert with this medley to set an emotional tone immediately, or anchor the second half as an intermission closer. The Grade 2 accessibility means you can pair it with lighter marches, folk arrangements, or standard band classics without sacrificing musicality. Works equally well as a standalone winter program centerpiece or as part of a longer seasonal concert.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing solo voices within harmonic textures
- Shaping melodic phrasing across phrase boundaries
- Maintaining steady tempo through multiple key areas
- Managing dynamic contrast and energy across a multi-movement form
- Responding to conductor cuing during medley transitions