Up on the Housetop: 1st Trombone
Up on the Housetop: 1st Trombone Sheet Music Preview

Up on the Housetop: 1st Trombone

By Benjamin Hanby / arr. Peter Blair

Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)

Item: 00-PC-0016844_TN1
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Description
"Up on the Housetop" is a holiday favorite played at 128 BPM with a swing feel and no individual solos. Benjamin Hanby's arrangement features great ensemble work all the way and is easy to rehearse and perform. (2:12)

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Additional Details
Series: Young Jazz Ensemble
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 82
SKU: 00-PC-0016844_TN1

More about this title

About the Composer: Benjamin Hanby

Benjamin Hanby (1833-1867) composed some of the most enduring American songs of the 19th century, often writing melodies that combined accessibility with genuine musical charm. "Up on the Housetop" remains one of his most recognizable works, capturing the spirit of holiday celebration through a simple, singable tune that has transcended generations.

Hanby's gift lay in creating music that worked equally well in parlors, churches, and public gatherings. His compositions reflected the musical tastes of mid-19th-century America, favoring clear melodies and straightforward harmonic language that made his songs memorable and performable by musicians of varying skill levels.

Why we love this

Peter Blair's arrangement respects the melody's simplicity while building genuine ensemble texture throughout, giving every section meaningful material without relying on solos to carry the piece. At Grade 2, it delivers holiday programming that actually sounds polished and complete in performance, and the swing feel at 128 BPM sits in a groove that young ensembles can lock into cleanly without overthinking the rhythmic demands.

What to expect

Bright and buoyant, with the familiar melody floating above a supportive jazz arrangement that feels both respectful and contemporary. The swing feel brings warmth and forward motion, creating a performance that feels festive without sentimentality.

Who it's for

Young jazz ensembles working toward their first full-length holiday concert or looking for accessible seasonal material that sounds genuinely polished. Conductors of ensembles in grades 6-10 will find this especially practical for building ensemble cohesion while maintaining holiday audience appeal.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythm section on the swing feel early in rehearsals. Establish the groove with drums, bass, and piano trading time before the ensemble enters, then let the horns settle into that pocket.
  • Articulate ensemble passages with consistent tonguing and release points. Since there are no individual features pulling focus, clarity and unity across all voices create the impact.
  • Treat the tempo as a comfortable groove rather than a race. 128 BPM should feel settled and swinging, not hurried; let the ensemble breathe together.

How to use it

Open a holiday concert with this piece to establish a swinging energy from the start, or pair it with other Grade 2-3 jazz arrangements to create a balanced first half. It also works well as a confidence builder mid-rehearsal season, giving ensembles a complete, performance-ready piece that requires focused musicianship rather than advanced technical skills.

Skills your students will build

  • Swing articulation and feel
  • Ensemble balance and blend in jazz voicings
  • Reading and executing section-specific rhythmic figures
  • Maintaining steady tempo within a groove-based context
  • Coordinate tuning and intonation across jazz chord voicings

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