We Three Kings: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Pasternak avoids the predictable here. The syncopated rhythms keep the melody from feeling rote, and by giving the clarinets their own moment, he creates a texture that feels contemporary without losing the carol's essential character. The percussion section finally has something to do besides keeping time, which means your entire band stays engaged from top to bottom.

Contemporary and propulsive. The clever rhythms give this carol an urban sensibility, while the driving percussion and clarinet spotlight create a performance that feels more like a band at work than a holiday obligation. It's joyful without being quaint.

Band directors seeking a concert piece that feels modern and energetic while maintaining the recognizable melody. Grade 3.5 bands with solid reading skills and the ability to handle syncopated figures will find this arrangement sits perfectly at their level.

• Keep the syncopated figures crisp and unified across all sections. Sloppy articulation will muddy the contemporary energy Pasternak is after.
• Balance the clarinet feature so it sits slightly forward but doesn't overpower the harmonic support underneath. The entire section needs to blend as one voice.
• Let the percussion section drive the groove. Their part isn't decoration; it's the rhythmic engine. Lock in with the rhythm section first, then bring in the winds.

Place this in the second half of your winter concert, after you've established the traditional character of your program. The energy and contemporary feel make it an excellent palate cleanser before closing with something more solemn, or it can anchor your finale if you want to send the audience out energized.

• Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic figures
• Balancing featured and supporting sections within a single ensemble
• Articulation control and section blend in percussion-driven arrangements
• Listening to and supporting the rhythm section while maintaining individual line independence