We Wish You A Klezmer Christmas: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Bernofsky nails something surprisingly difficult: she treats the klezmer idiom with real musical substance while maintaining the comedic spirit the concept promises. Rather than leaning entirely on novelty, she gives each style its own harmonic and orchestrational character, which means your students learn something about how style shapes the same melody. The Dreidel Song callback at the end feels earned, not tacked on.

Joyful and tongue-in-cheek. The music bubbles with personality, weaving familiar Christmas melodies through the rhythmic vitality and ornamentation of klezmer tradition. It's celebratory without being saccharine, funny without being condescending to either ensemble or listener.

Concert bands at the 2.5 grade level looking for holiday programming that entertains both audience and ensemble. This works equally well for groups wanting a Chanukah-inclusive celebration or those simply seeking pops repertoire with musical substance behind the entertainment value.

• Clarify the articulation between sections before full rehearsals. The klezmer sound relies heavily on staccato tonguing and a particular rhythmic snap; getting this consistent across the band will define the whole piece.
• Let the humor land. This works best when the musical commentary feels intentional rather than accidental. Shape phrase endings with slightly exaggerated clarity so the audience catches the wit.
• Balance the solo lines carefully. Several klezmer arrangements feature prominent single voices (often clarinet or trumpet). Make sure these cut through without overwhelming the harmonic foundation.
• Pay attention to the tempo relationships between styles. Each klezmer setting likely moves differently; rehearse the transitions to keep the momentum and prevent awkward fumbling between sections.

Slot this as a centerpiece of a winter concert that honors multiple traditions, or pair it with other holiday selections to create a thematically rich program. The theatrical element also makes it an excellent encore choice when you want to end on a high-energy note that leaves the audience smiling. For groups performing multiple concerts during the December season, this gives you a crowd-pleaser that also builds genuine musical skills.

• Klezmer articulation and ornamentation techniques (including proper staccato tonguing and grace note execution)
• Style contrast and character playing across four distinct musical settings of the same material
• Melodic clarity in ensemble contexts where individual lines must cut through the texture
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated and dancelike figures typical of klezmer music
• Harmonic foundation in modal and chromatic idioms outside traditional Western classical practice