YULETIDE SLEIGH RIDES

(2025)

For Concert Band, String Orchestra, or Combined Ensembles

JWPEPPER EDITOR’S CHOICE SELECTION

ORDERING [band]
ORDERING [string orch. - coming soon]

PUBLISHER: TUX PEOPLE’S MUSIC | ca. 3.5 minutes | GRADE 3.5/MEDIUM
© 2025 TUX PEOPLE’S MUSIC, LLC

PERUSAL SCORE [band]
PERUSAL SCORE [string orch. - coming soon]

INSTRUMENTATION

WOODWINDS: 2 Flutes, Oboe, Bassoon, 3 Bb Clarinets, Bass Clarinet
SAXOPHONES: 2 Altos, Tenor, Bari
BRASS: 3 Bb Trumpets, 2 Horns, 3 Trombones, Euphonium (T.C. and B.C. parts provided), Tuba
​PERCUSSION* (7 players required): Timpani, Triangle, Chimes, Glockenspiel, Temple Blocks (5), Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, Vibraphone, Crotales, Xylophone, Whip, Ride Cymbal, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Hi-Hat, Splash Cymbal, Crash Cymbal, China Cymbal, Sleigh Bells, Tom-toms (4), Tam-tam
STRINGS: Violin I, Violin II, Violin III (Viola T.C.), Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass

*Percussion: 7 players are required for the Concert Band and Combined Ensembles versions of this piece. For the String Orchestra version, the Percussion 2 & 5 parts, as well as the Triangle material provided in the Timpani part, are considered fully optional and not required for performance. For orchestras with Timpani & 3 Percussion, Percussion 3 should be considered fully optional.

SCORE FOLLOWER

“Yuletide Sleigh Rides” is an adaptation of my band piece “A Wild Christmas Nightcap”. That work explored finding a balance between the cozy, nostalgic, and sentimental feelings of the Christmas season with the commercialism & marketing that fuels & sustains it every year, all while quoting & referencing various Christmas carols throughout. This piece explores a similar concept, using an expansive percussion section and plenty of magical flurries & harmonies throughout its journey. Overall, “Yuletide Sleigh Rides” is full of spirit and a wonderful celebration of the Christmas season.