'Tis the Season to Be Jolly!: Concert Band Conductor Score

Doug Adams has crafted an arrangement that respects the Grade 1 ensemble while letting both melodies breathe. The single ritardando between tunes gives conductors a natural moment to reset energy, and the straightforward orchestration means your beginning band can focus on phrasing and tone rather than fighting the page.

Bright and unhurried, with the comfort of a carol that everyone already knows humming in the back of their minds. The arrangement captures the gentleness of a winter gathering rather than chasing seasonal urgency; it invites the ensemble to play with clarity and warmth.

Beginning concert bands preparing their first or second holiday concert will find this arrangement immediately playable. Directors seeking a two-minute showcase that feels polished without demanding advanced technique will appreciate how cleanly Adams has stitched these carols together.

• Shape each phrase with a gentle arc of dynamics, even though the notation sits at a consistent mezzo-forte. Younger musicians often play in a straight line; encourage them to listen for where the melody "breathes."
• The ritardando transition is your chance to establish control. Have the ensemble hold the final note of "Deck the Halls" with a slight diminuendo before the conductor brings in the new tempo for "Jolly Old St. Nicholas."
• Balance the ensemble so the melody stands clear. In both tunes, the main voice will likely live in the upper woodwinds and cornets; adjust section volumes so listeners hear the tune without strain.

This works beautifully as an opener for a holiday concert, setting an inviting tone before moving into more substantial repertoire. It also pairs well with other Grade 1-2 carols or secular seasonal pieces, creating a natural early-concert block that showcases fundamental musicianship without fatigue.

• Conducting clear phrase shapes and releases in simple time
• Balancing melody against accompaniment in a mixed-instrumentation ensemble
• Preparing and executing a tempo change with confidence and stillness