At J.W. Pepper, we’re thrilled to share some fantastic 2024 Editors’ Choice selections for your concert band programs this Christmas. The holiday season seems to arrive quicker each year, and it’s easy to feel stuck in the routine of past performances. But don’t worry—there’s no better time than the present! For 2024, our editors have handpicked some incredible Christmas works that will make perfect and refreshing additions to your holiday concerts.
All Is NOT Calm
arr. Katie O’Hara LaBrie – MakeMusic Publications
Imagine the sweet sounds of Silent Night lulling you to sleep when the next-door neighbors start blasting holiday carols at full volume! This musical battle between woodwinds, brass, and percussion features snippets of various holiday favorites. This is sure to engage your students as they explore dynamics in a fun and creative way. (1:45)
Starts at 1:05
Winter Magic
Pinkzebra – Pinkzebra Publishing
Capture the magic and intrigue of wintry folktales and snow-covered forests where mischievous elves tiptoe and scheme just out of sight. The colorful, whimsical orchestrations and melodies that weave between major and minor tonalities create an enchanting mood perfect for December concerts.
Starts at 2:11
Nightmare on the Housetop
arr. John M. Pasternak – Wingert-Jones Publications
This clever arrangement takes the beloved carol Up on the Housetop and turns it upside down with a spooky twist. Perfect for introducing your youngest players to the minor scale, it’s a fresh work for those first concerts!
Starts at 3:01
Too Much Percussion for Christmas
arr. Randall Standridge – Randall Standridge Music, LLC
Randy Standy knows what everyone wants for Christmas: too much percussion! Deck the halls and bang the drums with this exciting and engaging holiday mashup featuring percussion parts for all players! Deck the Halls; Jingle Bells; Jolly Old St. Nicholas; Up on the Housetop; The Twelve Days of Christmas and more are given a rock ‘n’ roll makeover, complete with a choreographed feature for your percussion section on trash cans. Carefully scored and with many optional percussion parts to fit many instrumentations, this memorable holiday mashup is sure to be a student and crowd favorite at your next holiday concert!
Starts at 4:08
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
J. Fred Coots/arr. Michael Kamuf – Alfred Publishing Belwin Division
The big guy is getting his groove on! This fun, fresh treatment is complete with Latin American grooves, cool harmony, and, of course, some cowbell! Adding players on the cowbell part is a great way to employ large percussion sections or to feature your faculty or staff. Bring the house down at your next holiday concert with this classic. (2:35)
Starts at 5:31
Walkin’ Down Christmas Lane
arr. JaRod Hall – MakeMusic Publications
Experience this merry journey through a spirited, soulful soundscape! This captivating medley brilliantly interlaces holiday classics with the pulsating rhythms of funk and hip-hop, the soul-stirring passion of gospel, and the emotive touch of a ballad. Audiences will recognize Here Comes Santa Claus; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; Jingle Bells; Deck the Halls; The Twelve Days of Christmas; Away in a Manger; The First Noel; Good King Wenceslas and O Holy Night. Every note will lift spirits as you deck the hall with joyful jams! (5:10)
Starts at 6:31
Christmas Stars
arr. Larry Clark – Excelcia Music Publishing, LLC
Your students and audiences will love this tender and lyrical mashup of familiar carols and holiday songs in an easy medley. An excellent opportunity to teach dotted rhythms as well as tone, phrasing, and overall musicianship.
Starts at 7:33
